"President Obama believes that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms," White House Spokesperson Jay Carney posted this afternoon. "However, the Constitution not only guarantees an individual right to bear arms, but also enshrines the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press—fundamental principles that are essential to our democracy."

Official response below:

When Discussing the Second Amendment, Keep the First in Mind Too

By Jay Carney

Thank you for participating in We the People to speak out on an issue that matters to you.

Let’s not let arguments over the Constitution’s Second Amendment violate the spirit of its First. President Obama believes that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms. However, the Constitution not only guarantees an individual right to bear arms, but also enshrines the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press -- fundamental principles that are essential to our democracy. Americans may disagree on matters of public policy and express those disagreements vigorously, but no one should be punished by the government simply because he or she expressed a view on the Second Amendment -- or any other matter of public concern.

We recognize that the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, sparked an intense, and at times emotional, national conversation about the steps we can take as a country to reduce gun violence. In fact, your petition is one of many on the issue, and President Obama personally responded by sharing his viewson this important issue.