Over the last week, the biggest story to dominate the news cycle has been the mass shooting at a Florida high school. While many have once again called for better gun control legislation, Donald Trump has decided to deflect the blame onto a familiar target.
Just like they don’t want to solve the DACA problem, why didn’t the Democrats pass gun control legislation when they had both the House & Senate during the Obama Administration. Because they didn’t want to, and now they just talk!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2018
Trump on gun control
On Wednesday afternoon at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, former student 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz walked into the building and opened fire.
By the time Cruz was taken into custody by police, he had killed 17 people, while injuring many others. The story stopped the country in its tracks, taking over the headlines and reigniting the debate over the issue of gun control and mental health. As expected, those on the political left pushed for gun control, while their conservative counterparts brushed off the issue.
These are the faces of the 17 people killed in the #FloridaSchoolShooting. 💔 May they rest in peace. https://t.co/qp90vbyvuq pic.twitter.com/d0B6Ia2Q7S
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) February 16, 2018
For President Donald Trump, he addressed the nation in a speech not long after the events took place, not mentioning guns once while making sure to add the usual "thoughts and prayers" routine.
Since then, Trump has taken time to briefly stop over to meet with victims in Florida, before taking to Twitter to attack Barack Obama and Democrats while spending time as his Mar-a-Lago resort. "Just like they don’t want to solve the DACA problem, why didn’t the Democrats pass gun control legislation when they had both the House & Senate during the Obama Administration," Trump tweeted, while adding, "Because they didn’t want to, and now they just talk!"
Instant backlash
Following Donald Trump's remarks, critics wasted no time firing back on social media.
"So you do something. The ball is your court and you have home court advantage. Accomplish this and you MAY actually earn my vote one day," one tweet read.
You're the president now , so pull up you're man pants and start doing something for a change , instead of blaming others for your shortcomings. Mr.not the real president.
— Philosophy (@morovis00687) February 17, 2018
You are the most Vile Incompetent Corrupt Disgusting Human Being to ever walk this planet. How dare you take these deaths and this important issue with your blood stained hands from your & @GOP #NRA contributions and try and blame the D’s. #ShameOnYou #ImpeachThisSonOfABitch
— Pamela Stone (@Pamelastonenyc) February 17, 2018
"You are the most Vile Incompetent Corrupt Disgusting Human Being to ever walk this planet.
How dare you take these deaths and this important issue with your blood stained hands from your & GOP NRA contributions and try and blame the D’s," a Twitter user wrote. "You're the president now , so pull up you're man pants and start doing something for a change , instead of blaming others for your shortcomings. Mr.not the real president, a follow-up tweet noted.
Oh my god, why don't you do it then? You know how much they'll have to praise you then?
— Punxsutawney Phil (@calizoned) February 17, 2018
So do something about it, Art of the Deal.#IMPOTUS
— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) February 17, 2018
Before you die in jail you could do one decent thing, like that dirty cop in the Equalizer
try it, just for variety
Well now that you (GOP) have control of the house and senate, and it sounds like you ARE in favor of stricter gun control laws, take action!
— Shaun Rawlins (@MaxSavage75) February 17, 2018
"Before you die in jail you could do one decent thing, like that dirty cop in the Equalizer, try it, just for variety," a social media user noted. "Oh my god, why don't you do it then? You know how much they'll have to praise you then?" an additional tweet stated.
