New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo thought sending an open letter of rebuke to the president was a good idea as police are still investigating the shooting at Santa Fe High School. Right now, reports say 8-10 people are dead, most of them students. The suspect, expected to be a student himself, is in custody. Another person of interest has been detained.
President Trump tweeted his thoughts and prayers to the victims. He also spoke about the tragedy at a prison reform summit at the White House, adding that everyone at every level of government "needs to work together" to protect our children.
We grieve for the terrible loss of life, and send our support and love to everyone affected by this horrible attack in Texas. To the students, families, teachers and personnel at Santa Fe High School – we are with you in this tragic hour, and we will be with you forever... pic.twitter.com/LtJ0D29Hsv
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2018
Cuomo did not heed the call for unity. Instead, he demanded the president stop catering to the NRA and "do something."
NEW: NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo writes open letter to Pres. Trump, elected officials following Texas school shooting:
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 18, 2018
"You were elected to lead - do something. Your first responsibility is to the people of this country, not the NRA - do something." https://t.co/NGQZybRchn pic.twitter.com/wFGs1Ee1No
Cuomo was at the forefront of the gun control movement following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012. Following the massacre, in which 20 children and six adults were killed, Cuomo signed the SAFE Act, which broadened the term "assault weapon" and limited firearms' magazine capacity.
He pushed the legislation again after February's shooting in Parkland.
“Tears are not enough,” Cuomo said at the time. "How many more children must die before this nation acts?"
We are closely monitoring the situation in Santa Fe.