Donald Trump has issued a resolute statement concerning the Second Amendment in response to a tragic mass shooting at Florida State University.
On Thursday, April 17, a student perpetrated a shooting at Florida State University, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others.
According to the Associated Press, FSU Police engaged with the suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who was shot and injured after failing to follow the officers’ directives.
Police Chief Jason Trumbower reported that the shooter specifically targeted individuals near the student union building. The identities of the two deceased victims have not yet been disclosed, but officials confirmed that they were not students. The six injured parties were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for medical care.
Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil revealed that the alleged shooter is the stepson of Deputy Jessica Ikner, who has been with the department for over 18 years. Authorities indicated that he utilized her firearm during the attack and was apprehended after being shot by law enforcement.
“This is clearly a heinous crime,” Sheriff McNeil stated. “We will ensure that we do everything possible to prosecute and convey a message that such actions will not be tolerated in Leon County, and I would assert, across the state and the nation.” During a press briefing in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump was asked about the shooting and gun control legislation, reaffirming his strong support for the right to bear arms.
“I am a strong proponent of the Second Amendment; I have been from the start,” he remarked. “I have defended it.”
In reference to the incident, Trump commented: “These occurrences are tragic. However, it is not the gun that commits the act; it is the individuals involved—a phrase that is perhaps overused. It is unfortunate. I am just learning about it now. I am familiar with the area and the school; it is in Florida.”The 78-year-old president indicated that he would provide further commentary on the situation in the future, stating, “I’ll have more to say about it later, regarding what transpired.”
However, regarding potential modifications to gun legislation, Trump did not indicate any change in stance: “This issue has persisted for a long time. I have a duty to uphold the Second Amendment; I campaigned on the Second Amendment, among other issues, and I will always defend it.” In reaction to Trump’s remarks, opinions on social media were mixed.
“He had consistently made many individuals uncomfortable, leading some to stop attending. That’s when we reached a tipping point with Phoenix, and we requested his departure,” he noted, adding that the comments made by the alleged shooter went “beyond conservatism.”
“It’s been a couple of years now. I can’t provide exact quotes,” he mentioned. “He spoke about the detrimental effects of multiculturalism and communism and how they are damaging America.”
Authorities have yet to disclose any motive behind the attack.
In response to the shooting, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement: “Our thoughts are with our FSU family, and state law enforcement is actively engaged in the response.”
