The morning after Stephen Paddock killed 58 people and wounded more than 500 others at a country music concert, Donald Trump stated from the diplomatic room of the White House:
“In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one – and it always has.”
He had already sent a message of condolence a little less than six hours after the attack:
“My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!”
My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017
Several days later he visited Las Vegas, offering his support for first responders and those who had been wounded.
WE LOVE YOU LAS VEGAS! pic.twitter.com/nxRWeR1gEz
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2017
But when it came to solutions, he offered little more than looking at gun control laws “as time goes by”.
Trump was also asked whether the shooting was an act of domestic terrorism. He declined to answer.
On October 4, in Las Vegas, Trump was again asked about possible legislative action on guns.
“We’re not going to talk about that today,” he responded. “We won’t talk about that.”
New York
Within hours of the attack in New York on Tuesday, in which an Uzbek man mowed down cyclists and pedestrians along a Manhattan bike path, killing eight people, Trump tweeted.
In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
He followed up with a second tweet.
We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2017
Then there was a third tweet.
I have just ordered Homeland Security to step up our already Extreme Vetting Program. Being politically correct is fine, but not for this!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
On November 1 he tweeted again.
The terrorist came into our country through what is called the “Diversity Visa Lottery Program,” a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
Before adding: “We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). @foxandfriends”
We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). @foxandfriends
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
He then said he was going to ask Congress to terminate the diversity lottery program.
Trump also reiterated his call that the Uzbek immigrant should get the death penalty.
Contrasts
About the Las Vegas shooter, Trump said: “The wires were crossed pretty badly in his brain. Extremely badly in his brain. And it’s a very sad event.”
Of the man alleged to have committed the attack in NYC, he said: “This animal who did the attacking.”
Many are now asking: why does one attack represent an existential threat from radical terrorists that must be addressed, while the other — much deadlier — is just something that happens?
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