The existence of evil in our world is not a reason to disarm law-abiding citizens, Trump says.The various gun control policies run by the Left would have done nothing to stop such attacks, he says.
Trump says we all must unite, Republicans and Democrats should finally toughen up their schools and protect their children
HOUSTON: Former US President Donald Trump on Friday rejected calls for tighter gun controls in the aftermath of the Texas school massacre, saying civilized Americans should be allowed the necessary firearms to protect themselves from "evil."
"The existence of evil in our world is not a reason to disarm law-abiding citizens. The existence of evil is one of the best reasons to arm law-abiding citizens," he told members of the National Rifle Association. Said to.
Trump's remarks came as he launched an NRA program in Houston, three days after a gun massacre at an elementary school in Texas resurfaced the Tinderbox debate about American gun control.
"Various gun control policies were being pushed by the Left, which would have done nothing to stop that horror. Absolutely nothing," he said.
An 18-year-old gunman with a legally purchased AR-15-style rifle killed 19 children and two adults Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, marking the deadliest school shooting in state history. does.
Trump read out the names of all 19 children, whom he described as victims of "crazy" out of control, before suggesting that gun control efforts were "bizarre."
“We must all unite, Republicans and Democrats — in every state, and at every level of government — to finally toughen up our schools and protect our kids. Now we have to go from top to bottom in schools across this country. Security needs to be improved," he added.
Several speakers, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, withdrew from the event following the killings, but Trump confirmed Wednesday that he would not cancel his appearance at the NRA's annual "Leadership Forum".
White House officials said President Joe Biden, who stirred up the US gun lobby in the wake of the shooting, is scheduled to "mourn along with the community" with first lady Jill Biden in Uvalde on Sunday.
The NRA is considered the most powerful gun rights organization in the country, although its influence has waned as it is embroiled in a legal battle over a corruption scandal.
It has rejected most initiatives to prevent mass shootings, including expanded background checks on gun purchases, although it said ahead of Trump's speech that audience members would not be allowed to carry firearms.
Republicans in Washington have suggested "tightening" schools with beef safety -- including armed guards stationed at the same entry and exit points -- rather than banning gun ownership.
He has also spoken out about the need to focus on mental health, although critics say that other nations with strict gun controls face similar issues and do not see regular mass shootings.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 214 mass shootings in the United States this year.
These include a racist massacre at a supermarket in a Black neighborhood of Buffalo, New York, just 10 days before the Texas killings.