▶ PRESIDENT
cannot be whitewashed by thoughts and prayers. None of this ends unless we do something to stop it.”
Trump has portrayed himself as a strong supporter of gun owners. At an April session of the National Rifle Association Leadership Forum, Trump said to applause, “The eight-year assault on your Second Amendment freedoms has come to a crashing end. You have a true friend and champion in the White House.”
In March, he signed an executive order that rolled back a rule established under President Barack Obama that made it harder for people with documented mental health problems to buy guns.
There was no indication that the suspect in the Las Vegas shooting, Stephen Paddock, had experienced any documented mental health issues, but Trump’s support for gun rights is likely to be an issue as Nevada absorbs the horror of the crime.
“Everyone at the Gun Owners of America was extremely troubled and saddened to see the tragic and terrifying report of the shooting in Las Vegas,” the group’s Executive Director Erich Pratt said.
Pratt added, “It is disturbing to see anti-gun politicians and celebrities politicizing the tragedy by calling for further restrictions on guns.”
At Monday’s press briefing White House press secretary Sarah Sanders chided reporters who asked if Trump might change his views and come to support tougher gun laws.
“It would be premature for us to discuss policy when we don’t fully know all of the facts or what took place last night,” Sanders responded.
Nevada’s congressional delegation also reacted to the massacre in statements that sidestepped gun politics.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded in last night’s vicious and senseless attack outside the Mandalay Bay Resort. I thank the first responders for taking down the gunman and working tirelessly to treat the wounded.” said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-nev.
“Senseless, horrifying act of violence in Las Vegas tonight. Praying for all the victims & those impacted by the tragedy.” tweeted Sen. Dean Heller, R-nev.
“Unfathomable evil,” tweeted Rep. Mark Amodei, R-nev. “Attacking harmless people who like listening to music — I don’t have the words. Our hearts go out to the victims and families of this terrible tragedy. It’s a sad day.”
“I am grateful for law