President Trump condemned the fatal shooting at Florida State University that left two dead and six injured, calling it “terrible” and “a shame.” However, he signaled no intention to support new gun control measures, reaffirming his strong support for the Second Amendment. When asked about the possibility of stricter laws, Trump responded, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” and emphasized his commitment to protecting gun rights, noting it was a key part of his campaign platform.
Trump, who has ties to Florida and is familiar with FSU and the surrounding area, reiterated that the issue of gun violence has persisted for years.
Police have identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who was wounded and apprehended by officers.
While Trump has previously opposed additional gun regulations, he did implement a bump stock ban during his first term—a measure later overturned by the Supreme Court.
More recently, he signed an executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and potentially roll back several gun control policies enacted under President Biden. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is currently led by Acting Director Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, following the departure of FBI Director Kash Patel, who had been overseeing both agencies.
