Obama Blames Violence in Mexico on America's Lust for Drugs, Guns

U.S. President Barack Obama steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Benito Juarez International Airport (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty)

Speaking in Mexico on Friday, President Barack Obama blamed U.S. gun manufactures for the violence in the country, adding that much of it stems from the American demand for illegal drugs.

“Much of the root cause for violence that has been happening here in Mexico, for which so many Mexicans have suffered, is the demand for illegal drugs in the United States,” Obama said during a speech at Mexico's Anthropology Museum

He then turned his attention to U.S. gun owners and gun control.

"Most of the guns used to commit violence here in Mexico come from the United States," Obama said. "I think many of you know that in America, our Constitution guarantees our individual right to bear arms. And as president, I swore an oath to uphold that right, and I always will."

"But at the same time, as I’ve said in the United States, I will continue to do everything in my power to pass common-sense reforms that keep guns out of the hands of criminals and dangerous people,” he added.

“That can save lives here in Mexico and back home in the United States. It’s the right thing to do," Obama said.

--

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

Featured image Getty Images.