Trump fails to raise gun control issue

US: President Donald Trump has come face-to-face with hospitalised victims of the horrific school shooting in Florida and offered thanks to the doctors and nurses who helped the wounded, declaring “the job they’ve done is incredible”.

Asked if he’d talked with victims, Mr Trump added: “I did indeed, and it’s very sad something like that could happen.”

After paying their respects to staff at Broward Health North Hospital, Mr Trump and his wife Melania visited with law enforcement officials in Fort Lauderdale, where he told officers he hoped they were “getting the credit” they deserved for their response to the shooting that left 17 dead and 14 injured.

“I was at the hospital with a lot of parents and they are really thankful for the job you’ve done,” Mr Trump said at the

“I don’t want Trump to come but we want more gun safety” STUDENT KEVIN TREJOS

Broward County Sheriff’s Office, where he was joined by Governor Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio.

The US President didn’t publicly address the grief and sorrow gripping a shocked community and nation. He later tweeted about the school shooting: “Our entire Nation, w/one heavy heart, continues to pray for the victims & their families in Parkland, FL.”

During his visit, there was not any mention of the debate over gun regulation set off by the shooting.

Some of the parents, survivors and others affected by the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School said they were more interested in firm action to prevent future assaults than a presidential visit.

“I don’t want Trump to come but we want more gun safety,” said 18-year-old Kevin Trejos, a senior at the school.

Lori Alhadeff’s 14-year-old daughter Alyssa was killed during the shooting. She invoked the president’s 11-yearold son, Barron, as she angrily called for help. “President Trump, Barron goes to school. Let’s protect Barron. And let’s also protect all these other kids,” she said on CNN, her voice raising to a shout. “You need to help us, now.”

Mr Trump frequently boasts about his support for the National Rifle Association.