Trump Fails to Address Gun Control in Las Vegas Shooting Response

Donald Trump held a press conference in response to the Las Vegas shooting on Monday.

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This morning, we woke to news of a mass shooting in Las Vegas, which is being called the deadliest mass shooting in American history. With emotions still high and questions about how the U.S. government will be handling the situation, Donald Trump took to the White House podium with his remarks on this tragedy.

Trump on the Las Vegas shooting: "It was an act of pure evil." pic.twitter.com/3MrmtInf8v

“We are joined together today in sadness, shock and grief,” Trump began. He called the brutal murders “an act of pure evil,” and thanked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the first responders for their efforts in the relief front.

Trump said he will be visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with law enforcement, first responders, and families of the victims, and the flag will be flown at half-mast.

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The president went on to say that "in moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one. And it always has." His remarks felt religious, and he mentioned that he and his wife Melania "are praying for every American who has been hurt, wounded or lost."

Trump thanks first responders: "We will always be thankful and grateful." pic.twitter.com/y09mXpO4yI

Twitter was quick to note that Trump avoided anything to do with gun control or gun talk in general.

Trump failed to use the word "terrorist" or even address gun violence.
President Trump says "we pray for the day when evil is banished" but no mention of gun control #lasvegas

Many pointed to Trump signing a bill that ended President Obama's gun bill that would add mental health to background checks for anyone purchasing guns as being the reason why he might have avoided any mention of gun control.

In February, Trump signed a law rolling back Obama's attempt to add mental health to background checks for gun buys https://t.co/RIsGc72h9Q

Others felt like he lacked emotion in what appeared to be Trump just reading from a teleprompter.

Trump reading from TelePrompTer speech with all the emotion of a 4th grade book report. Now on to passing gun silencer bill.
Trump is speaking from a teleprompter. Nothing from his heart. Amazing to see a man who has no emotional connection to this tragedy.
Trump, fully on Teleprompter, gave a conventional "consoler-in-chief" kind of speech.
After tone-deaf "warmest condolences" tweet, Trump reads scripture from the teleprompter, retreats without taking questions.
Trump and a TelePrompTer don’t mix. Trump and empathy are also not a convincing duo. #LasVegas #GunControl

Not sure what people were expecting; for a horrific mass shooting that appears to have nothing to do with any of his actual talking points, how did people expect Trump to react?

Here's how you can help those in Las Vegas.

How to help and find loved ones. Please share #PrayforLasVegas pic.twitter.com/v0xaV3SAIm

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