A stoic President Donald Trump pledged to address mental health and school safety following the latest shooting massacre at an American school.
However, in a speech to the nation, the president avoided any discussion of changing gun laws after the shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“We are committed to working with with state and local leaders to secure our schools and tackle the difficult issue of mental health,” the president said.
On Wednesday, a former student opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 17 people and wounding 14 others, according to authorities. The 19-year-old suspect, Nikolas Cruz, was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.
The shooting is the latest in a string of killings at schools in the United States in recent years.
Like past mass shootings, it swiftly reignited a national debate about access to assault weapons and possible changes to gun control laws. Authorities believe Cruz used an AR-15 style rifle, which is frequently used in American mass shootings.
In a tweet following the massacre Wednesday, Trump said “no child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.”
In a tweet Thursday morning, the president then suggested classmates and community members should have reported the shooter’s behavior to authorities.
He later ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset Monday, saying in a statement: “Our Nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones in the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.”
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
