Florida School Shooting: President Trump Addresses Nation And Urges Americans To Stay United

It was reported that about 17 people died as a result of the massacre, while at least 12 were injured. The country is still reeling from the devastating event, and the US president has addressed the people.

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The president's speech

On Thursday, Trump spoke to newsmen and expressed his heartbreak for the incident that took the life of so many. He encouraged the citizens of the US to maintain unity and work towards making a difference to stop such situations.

It is not enough to simply take actions that make us feel like we are making a difference. We must actually make that difference.

A post shared by President Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) on Feb 15, 2018 at 4:38pm PST

He gave the assurance that the government is committed to ensuring that schools are more secured and that the issue of mental health is being given the attention it deserves.

A post shared by President Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:52am PST

He went on to urge families to continue fostering the bond of love and comfort, especially at this time.

Let us hold our loved ones close, let us pray for healing and for peace, and let us come together as one nation to wipe away the tears and strive for a much better tomorrow.

Where Trump placed the blame

The president had earlier shared a Tweet about what he believed was the root cause of the shooting.

According to his controversial post, he implied that Cruz's classmates and those around him should have done more to call the attention of the authorities to his disturbing utterances and actions.

So many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, even expelled from school for bad and erratic behavior. Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 15, 2018

A lot of people lashed out in response, accusing him of victim-blaming.

So blame the victims? Why am I not surprised you would say that. I do believe you are utterly incapable of comforting people in their time of need.

— Mary Ellen Pierce (@MMelon1522) February 16, 2018

you are blaming people for not reporting someone who was expelled, who had fallen through the net? That is what laws are supposed to be there FOR - to protect those who are mentally ill and those who might be in danger as a consequence. You’ve protected no one that needs it.

— Estelle Lee (@mrsestellelee) February 16, 2018

Soooooo you're just going to ignore the fact that he was a kid who can't even drink; but somehow got access to such a powerful weapon? That just slipped your mind? You don't think that issue needs to be addressed?

— Jess ???????? (@ZeroDarkThirty_) February 16, 2018

Did you seriously just blame the victims?

— erikclausen (@EClausen) February 16, 2018

Many also disagreed with his point, insisting that the only way gun violence like this can end is through the implementation of stricter gun regulation laws - a position which former president Barack Obama seemed to agree with.

We are grieving with Parkland. But we are not powerless. Caring for our kids is our first job. And until we can honestly say that we're doing enough to keep them safe from harm, including long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want, then we have to change.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 15, 2018

We do believe that this is a time to stay strong and united, and our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones in this terrible ordeal.