President Donald Trump takes a strong stance on tougher gun measures in a round-table discussion with Republicans and Democrats, sending shock waves through both parties.
- President Donald Trump showed stronger background checks
- President also wants to raise age to buy rifles
Trump says he is determined to turn grief into action.
It was an honor to welcome bipartisan members of Congress for a discussion on SAFE schools and SAFE communities. As we continue to mourn the loss of so many precious young lives in Parkland, we are determined to turn our grief into action. Full meeting: https://t.co/tbl94sCM01 pic.twitter.com/TmUMusoR9x
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2018
He showed support for legislation on stronger background checks and raising the age to buy a rifle from 18 to 21.
He even said he would pass an executive order banning bump stocks.
"We can do that with an executive order. I'm going to write the bump stock, essentially write it out. You won't have to worry about bump stock. Shortly that will be gone," said Trump.
One of the most groundbreaking statements from the president was when he suggested the possibility of adding a proposal by Sen. Diane Feinstein that would ban assault-style weapons.
He also supported giving families and local law enforcement more tools to report potentially dangerous individuals with weapons, but some were critical that the president said he liked the idea of taking the guns without having due process first.
"I like taking the guns early like in this crazy man's case that just took place in Florida," said Trump. "To go to court would have taken all day so you could do exactly what you're saying but take the guns first, go through due process second."
The president suggested creating one comprehensive bill with several gun control policies instead of several separate bills, the key would be getting both Democrats and Republicans to support it.
Something Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy pointed out in a tweet.
So the President just committed to support universal background checks, protective orders, and raising the age for rifle purchases. If he's the deal maker he says he is, he only has to get a few Republican votes to make it all happen.
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) February 28, 2018
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was also in the meeting saying.
The meeting at the @WhiteHouse today was a positive start.We have several ideas that can pass & that will have a real & positive impact.Among them are Gun Violence Restraining Orders & the bi-partisan #stopschoolviolenceact which we will be joining efforts with @senorrinhatch on
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 28, 2018