Abbott: Obama gun control actions 'trampled' Bill of Rights

AUSTIN, TX -- Gov. Greg Abbott says the president's executive actions imposing gun control measures nationwide "trampled the purpose and substance of the Bill of Rights."

In a statement Tuesday, the Republican called the plan "the president's latest attempt to undermine our liberty." He said Texas "will take every action to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens" but didn't elaborate.

Abbott was state attorney general before becoming governor and led a parade of lawsuits against the Obama administration.

At the centerpiece of Obama's plan is a broader definition of gun dealers, which may expand the number of gun sales subject to background checks.

Other top Texas officials also slammed the executive actions Tuesday, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick called them "the latest example of the president's offensive executive overreach."