Barack Obama has called for stricter gun control laws to be enacted in the US after nine people were killed in a mass shooting at an Oregon college.

Speaking at the White House in the hours after the attack, the President said "inaction" on gun control legislation makes all Americans "answerable" for the violence.

He added that the nation has become "numb" to mass shootings, which have become "routine" occurrences in America.

"As I said just a few months ago, and I said just a few months before that, and I said each time we see one of these mass shootings, our thoughts and prayers are not enough," he said.

"We are not the only country on Earth who has people with mental illnesses who want to do harm to other people."

"(But) we are the only advanced country on Earth who sees these kinds of mass shootings every few months."

"We are going to have to change our laws. This is not something I can do by myself.

"I need to have Congress and state legislatures and governors who are willing to work with me on this."

Authorities have confirmed that nine people were shot dead and seven were injured by the gunman at Umpqua Community in Roseburg.

One of the victims was a woman who had been shot in the chest.

The 26-year-old gunman was killed during an exchange of fire with police.

A visibly angry Mr Obama said the issue of gun control should be politicised in America, and called on Americans to hold politicians accountable for acting on the issue.

He said he would continue to raise the need for gun control reform every time a shooting takes place in the US.

The massacre is the latest in a series of mass shootings at US college campuses, cinemas, military bases and churches in recent years.

The killings have led to demands for more gun control in the US, where ownership of firearms is protected by the Second Amendment.

"The reporting is routine. My response here, at this podium, ends up being routine ... We've become numb to this," Mr Obama said.