AGENCIES / WASHINGTON
In response to mass shootings over the weekend that killed 31 people in Texas and Ohio, US President Donald Trump condemned ‘hatred and white supremacy’
He called for mental health gun control reforms, the death penalty for those who commit mass murder and more bi-partisan co-operation over gun laws.
“Mental illness and hate pull the trigger, not the gun,” Mr Trump said, speaking at the White House on Monday.
The man arrested for killing 20 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, reportedly had racist motives and Trump said Americans must “condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy.”
Trump did not directly address accusations that his own anti-immigrant and racially charged comments have contributed to a rise in racial tensions.
“These sinister ideologies must be defeated,” he said in remarks at the White House. “Hate has no place in America. Hatred warps the mind, ravages the heart and devours the soul.”
On Saturday, a gunman killed 20 people at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, and several Mexican citizens were among those killed.
“In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy,” Mr Trump said on Monday. “These sinister ideologies must be defeated. Hate has no place in America.”
Mr Trump said government agencies must work together and identify individuals who may commit violent acts, prevent their access to firearms and also suggested involuntary confinement as a way to stop potential attackers.
He also said he directed the justice department to propose legislation to ensure those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty.
The president criticised the internet and “gruesome” video games for promoting violence in society
On Saturday, a gunman killed 20 people at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, and several Mexican citizens were among those killed.
Just 13 hours later, another gunman in downtown Dayton, Ohio, killed nine people. Dozens also were wounded in the attacks.
Trump, who has been accused of not doing enough to tackle extremist groups, said he was directing the Department of Justice to investigate domestic terrorism, and propose legislation to ensure that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty.
He also said the country needs to reform mental health laws to identify disturbed people as well as work with social media companies to detect possible mass shooters.