‘It’s Not the Guns…’: Trump Reacts to Florida State University Shooting with Bold Statement

Donald Trump Weighs In on Florida State University Shooting

In the wake of the tragic Florida State University shooting, former U.S. President Donald Trump has made headlines once again with his controversial take on gun violence in America. In a statement that has sparked both criticism and support, Trump said, “It’s not the guns, it’s the people,” redirecting the national conversation around gun control to focus on mental health and societal factors.

The Florida State University shooting occurred on April 16, 2025, sending shockwaves across the nation. Multiple students were injured, and the event has reignited debates around gun laws, safety on school campuses, and the ongoing epidemic of mass shootings in the U.S.

‘It’s Not the Guns’: Trump’s Controversial Take

During a campaign event held in Georgia just one day after the Florida State University shooting, Donald Trump was asked by a reporter what he believed should be done to prevent such tragedies. Without hesitation, Trump stated:

“It’s not the guns. It’s the people. We have a mental health crisis in this country. We need to fix the system that lets people like this walk into a school and harm our kids.”

Trump’s comments, though not new in tone, reignited national discourse. He has consistently opposed stricter gun control laws, instead advocating for better mental health support and stronger school security.

Highlights from Donald Trump’s Response

1. Mental Health Over Gun Laws

Trump’s response emphasized that gun violence is more about mental instability than access to firearms. He called for more investment in mental health services and suggested that red flag laws, when properly implemented, could be a solution.

2. Condemnation of School Vulnerability

He criticized what he described as “weak school security,” claiming schools need to be fortified much like federal buildings. Trump has previously suggested arming trained teachers and staff as a line of defense.

3. Criticism of Gun Control Advocates

Trump also took the opportunity to critique Democratic lawmakers pushing for stricter gun laws, claiming, “Every time something terrible happens, they blame the gun. But they ignore the real problems.”

Florida State University Shooting: What Happened?

On April 16, 2025, an armed individual opened fire on students inside a lecture hall at Florida State University. The shooting left four students injured and caused mass panic throughout the campus. Local law enforcement acted swiftly, apprehending the suspect within minutes.

The motive remains under investigation, but officials confirmed the shooter had a documented history of mental illness. The suspect had previously been reported for erratic behavior and threats, which lends weight to Trump’s emphasis on mental health reform.

Public Reactions to Trump’s Statement

Supporters Back Trump’s Stance

Supporters of Donald Trump have praised his response, echoing his concerns about a broken mental health system and poor school security. Many believe gun control laws only penalize law-abiding citizens while failing to prevent criminals from obtaining weapons.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens tweeted:

“Trump is right. We need to talk about mental illness, not gun bans. This is about safety and prevention, not politics.”

Critics Slam the Former President

However, critics argue Trump’s comments are tone-deaf and dangerous. Gun control advocates insist that access to firearms is a key factor in mass shootings and that background checks and assault weapon bans are critical.

Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren responded on social media:

“It’s always ‘not the guns’ until it’s your family. We need real action—common-sense gun reform. Enough is enough.”

Trump’s History with Gun Policy

Donald Trump has a complex history with gun rights and mass shootings. As President, he often walked a fine line between appeasing the National Rifle Association (NRA) and addressing public outcry following shootings. Notably, after the 2018 Parkland school shooting, Trump expressed support for raising the minimum age to buy certain firearms and implementing red flag laws, but ultimately, little legislative change occurred.

In the years since, Trump has doubled down on his pro-Second Amendment stance, positioning himself as a staunch defender of gun owners’ rights in America.

Gun Laws vs Mental Health: The National Debate Continues

The Florida State University shooting has again brought to light the ever-divisive issue of gun violence in the U.S. While some Americans side with Donald Trump’s “It’s not the guns” sentiment, others argue that without better regulation, these tragedies will continue.

This debate centers on several key questions:

• Should gun access be restricted?
• Are mental health services truly the core issue?
• Can a combination of both be the solution?

The Role of the NRA and Lobbying Power

Trump’s latest statement also falls in line with the NRA’s longstanding stance that “guns don’t kill people, people do.” With the 2024 election cycle heating up and Trump seeking to return to the White House in 2025, reaffirming his alignment with powerful pro-gun organizations is a strategic move.

Final Thoughts: What Lies Ahead?

As the investigation into the Florida State University shooting unfolds, and as emotions remain high across the country, Trump’s comments are likely to remain at the center of the conversation. Whether viewed as insightful or inflammatory, his message is clear—gun control is not the answer in his eyes.

The American public remains deeply divided. But one thing is certain—each tragedy like this renews the urgency for change, in whatever form that may be.

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