Houston: Former US president Donald Trump rejected calls for tightened gun controls Friday following the Texas school massacre, saying decent Americans should be allowed the firearms they need to defend themselves against “evil.”
“The existence of evil in our world is not a reason to disarm law-abiding citizens… The existence of evil is one of the very best reasons to arm law-abiding citizens,” he told members of the National Rifle Association.
Trump’s remarks came as he headlined an NRA event in Houston, three days after a gun massacre at a Texas elementary school reignited the tinderbox debate about US gun control.
“The various gun control policies being pushed by the left would have done nothing to prevent the horror that took place. Absolutely nothing,” he said.
Trump read out the names of all 19 children, whom he described as victims of an out-of-control “lunatic,” before suggesting that efforts at gun control were “grotesque.”
“All of us must unite, Republican and Democrat — in every state, and at every level of government — to finally harden our schools and protect our children… What we need now is a top-to-bottom security overhaul at schools across this country,” he added.
Multiple speakers, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, pulled out of the event after the murders but Trump confirmed on Wednesday he would not be canceling his appearance at the NRA’s annual “Leadership Forum.”
President Joe Biden, who upbraided the US gun lobby in the wake of the shootings, is due in Uvalde on Sunday with first lady Jill Biden to “grieve with the community,” White House officials said.
Republicans in Washington have suggested “hardening” schools with enhanced security — including armed guards posted at a single entry and exit point — rather than restrictions on gun ownership.
