President Trump said the victims of the shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, over the weekend cannot die in vain and suggested Democrats and Republicans work together, tying background checks and immigration reform so that something positive will come from the attacks.
“We cannot let those killed in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, die in vain. Likewise for those so seriously wounded,” he tweeted. “We can never forget them, and those many who came before them. Republicans and Democrats must come together and get strong background checks, perhaps marrying this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform. We must have something good, if not GREAT, come out of these two tragic events!”
We cannot let those killed in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, die in vain. Likewise for those so seriously wounded. We can never forget them, and those many who came before them. Republicans and Democrats must come together and get strong background checks, perhaps marrying....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
....this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform. We must have something good, if not GREAT, come out of these two tragic events!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
He also placed part of the blame on the media, arguing that “fake news” has added to the divisiveness in the country.
“The Media has a big responsibility to life and safety in our Country,” he said. “Fake News has contributed greatly to the anger and rage that has built up over many years. News coverage has got to start being fair, balanced and unbiased, or these terrible problems will only get worse!”
The Media has a big responsibility to life and safety in our Country. Fake News has contributed greatly to the anger and rage that has built up over many years. News coverage has got to start being fair, balanced and unbiased, or these terrible problems will only get worse!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019
On Saturday, a gunman opened fire at a Walmart in El Paso, killing 20 and injuring dozens of others. Less than a day later there was another mass shooting in Dayton that killed at least nine, while at least 27 others were injured.
President Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks from the White House at 10 a.m. ET.