Father of US journalist shot on live TV 'applauds' new gun control measures

The father of a US journalist shot and killed on live TV has told ITV News he "applauds" President Barack Obama for pushing through new gun control measures.

Mr Obama has unveiled plans to bypass Congress, which has typically vetoed any previous attempt at reigning in America's loose gun laws, with a series of executive orders.

These will include new and more vigorous background checks and restrictions on unlicensed dealers, including closing loopholes surrounding gun sales online and at specialist shows.

Andy Parker lost his daughter Alison last year, when she and cameraman Adam Ward were shot in the head during a live broadcast, and has been vocal about tightening gun control laws since.

Read: Obama unveils new gun control laws in emotional speech

He said he and his family welcomed Mr Obama's move.

He admitted that he knew gun control could not guarantee the safety of everybody - and said he could not say whether tighter restrictions could have saved his daughter.

He compared gun control to wearing seatbelts - they cannot guarantee safety, but they do a lot to help.

He told ITV News:

Alison and Adam's former colleague Vester Flanagan shot himself when police caught up with him three hours from the scene of the killings.