Speaking from the White House Monday morning, President Trump called the massacre in Las Vegas an "act of pure evil" and called on Americans to unite in a time of deep tragedy.
"We are joined together today in sadness, shock and grief," Trump said. "It was an act of pure evil."
"Hundreds of our fellow citizens are mourning the loss of a loved one. A parent, a child, a brother or sister. We cannot fathom their pain, we cannot imagine their loss. To the families of the victims, we are praying for you and we are here for you and we ask God to help see you through this very dark period. Scripture teaches us the Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. We seek comfort in those words for we know God lives in the hearts of those who grieve," he continued. "To the wounded who are now recovering in hospitals, we are praying for your full and speedy recovery and pledge to you our full support from this day forward."
The President said the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are working closely with local authorities and will provide updates to the public as they obtain new information. He thanked local police, medical responders and announced an official presidential proclamation honoring those who have died.
"In memory of the fallen, I have directed that our great flag be flown at half staff," Trump said. "In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us: our faith, our families and our shared values. We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community and the comfort of our common humanity. Our unity cannot be shattered by evil, our bonds cannot be broken by violence and though we feel great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines today and always will forever."
President Trump will visit Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with victims and their families.
"We can take solace that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light and even the most terrible despair can be illuminated by a single ray of hope," Trump said. "Melania and I are praying for every American who has been wounded, hurt or lost the ones they love so dearly in this terrible, terrible attack. We pray for the entire nation to find unity and peace and we pray for the day when evil is banished, and the innocent are safe from hatred and from fear."
"May God bless the souls of the lives that are lost."
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