Gun control advocates hold White House vigil

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Gun control advocates gathered outside the White House as dusk fell on Friday, holding candles, praying and demanding action from President Barack Obama after the horrific school shooting in Connecticut.

Around 50 protestors huddled close together on the chill evening, some holding banners reading "Protect Our Children - Ban Guns Now" and "Mr President, We are praying for your action."

Gun control advocate Reverend Michael McBride called on Obama to embrace gun control regulation as a cause when he begins his second term in January.

"We believe our president is the leader of our country, we believe our president is a wise man, a gracious man. We want leadership and we want action," said Rev McBride.