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Your
1600 Daily:
STATEMENT
FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
My fellow Americans,
today I speak to a nation in grief. Yesterday, a school filled
with innocent children and caring teachers became the scene of
terrible violence, hatred, and evil.
Around 2:30 yesterday
afternoon, police responded to reports of gunfire at Marjory
Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida -- a great
and safe community. There, a shooter, who is now in custody,
opened fire on defenseless students and teachers. He murdered
17 people and badly wounded at least 14 others.
Our entire nation, with
one heavy heart, is praying for the victims and their families.
To every parent, teacher, and child who is hurting so badly, we
are here for you -- whatever you need, whatever we can do, to
ease your pain. We are all joined together as one American
family, and your suffering is our burden also.
No child, no teacher,
should ever be in danger in an American school. No parent
should ever have to fear for their sons and daughters when they
kiss them goodbye in the morning.
Each person who was
stolen from us yesterday had a full life ahead of them -- a
life filled with wondrous beauty and unlimited potential and
promise. Each one had dreams to pursue, love to give, and
talents to share with the world. And each one had a family to
whom they meant everything in the world.
Today, we mourn for all
of those who lost their lives. We comfort the grieving and the
wounded. And we hurt for the entire community of Parkland,
Florida that is now in shock, in pain, and searching for
answers.
To law enforcement,
first responders, and teachers who responded so bravely in the
face of danger: We thank you for your courage. Soon after the
shooting, I spoke with Governor Scott to convey our deepest
sympathies to the people of Florida and our determination to
assist in any way that we can. I also spoke with Florida
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Broward County Sheriff Scott
Israel.
I'm making plans to
visit Parkland to meet with families and local officials, and
to continue coordinating the federal response.
In these moments of
heartache and darkness, we hold on to God’s word in
scripture: “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I
will heal you.”
We trust in that
promise, and we hold fast to our fellow Americans in their time
of sorrow.
I want to speak now
directly to America’s children, especially those who feel
lost, alone, confused or even scared: I want you to know that
you are never alone and you never will be. You have people who
care about you, who love you, and who will do anything at all
to protect you. If you need help, turn to a teacher, a family
member, a local police officer, or a faith leader. Answer hate
with love; answer cruelty with kindness.
We must also work
together to create a culture in our country that embraces the
dignity of life, that creates deep and meaningful human
connections, and that turns classmates and colleagues into
friends and neighbors.
Our administration is
working closely with local authorities to investigate the
shooting and learn everything we can. We are committed to
working with state and local leaders to help secure our
schools, and tackle the difficult issue of mental health.
Later this month, I will
be meeting with the nation’s governors and attorney generals,
where making our schools and our children safer will be our top
priority. It is not enough to simply take actions that make us
feel like we are making a difference. We must actually make
that difference.
In times of tragedy, the
bonds that sustain us are those of family, faith, community,
and country. These bonds are stronger than the forces of hatred
and evil, and these bonds grow even stronger in the hours of
our greatest need.
And so always, but
especially today, let us hold our loved ones close, let us pray
for healing and for peace, and let us come together as one
nation to wipe away the tears and strive for a much better
tomorrow.
Thank you. And God Bless
you all. Thank you very much.
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