Gonzales Vows ‘Reassurance’, Addresses VA Tech Shooting

ABC News’ Jason Ryan Reports: During a press conference Monday, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was confronted with numerous questions about his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week and his effectiveness as Attorney General. Gonzales once again admitted that mistakes had been made, but and continued to offer no indication that he intends to step down.

"I will stay as long as I feel I can be effective," said Gonzales, "and I believe I can be effective. Obviously, we’ll be working with the Congress to reassure them that we’ve identified the mistakes that have been made here."

"[As] head of an agency, you worry about questions about morale. You address those specific concerns," added Gonzales. "And the way I do it is by speaking directly to U.S. attorneys, by speaking directly to the component heads, and talking about my vision for the department moving forward, encouraging them to understand and realize the importance of staying focused on the mission."

Gonzales was also asked about the Virginia Tech shooting and if there are sufficiently strong laws to bar mentally ill people from purchasing guns. Gonzales described the efforts of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, and said of the Justice Department’s role, "From my perspective, what we’re looking at is to see whether or not this information — what information about mental health should law enforcement officials have? And what are the barriers that prevent law enforcement from having that information?"

The questions for Gonzales came during a press conference held with Federal Trade Commission chair Deborah Platt Majoras regarding a report on identity theft.