United States President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Thursday following a deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, which left two people dead and six others injured. The incident has reignited the ongoing debate over gun control in America, but Trump reiterated his unwavering commitment to protecting the Second Amendment.
Trump: “The Gun Doesn’t Do the Shooting, the People Do”
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the shooting as “terrible” and “a shame.” However, he dismissed calls for stricter gun laws in the wake of the tragedy. “These things are terrible. But the gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” Trump stated, emphasizing his belief that individuals, not firearms, are responsible for such acts.
When pressed about the possibility of new legislation, Trump doubled down on his position: “As far as legislation is concerned, this has been going on for a long time. I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment. I ran on the Second Amendment… and I will always protect the Second Amendment.” The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, a cornerstone of Trump’s political platform.
Details of the Florida State University Shooting
The shooting occurred on the FSU campus, with police identifying the alleged gunman as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner. Officers shot Ikner before taking him into custody. The incident has left the university community and the broader Tallahassee area in shock.
Trump, whose primary residence is in Palm Beach, Florida, noted his familiarity with the FSU area, expressing personal concern for the community affected by the tragedy.
Trump’s Record and Recent Actions on Gun Policy
During his first term, Trump implemented a ban on bump stocks—devices that enable semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly—following the mass shooting in Las Vegas. However, that regulation was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2024.
Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order instructing Attorney General Pam Bondi to review the rollback of Biden-era gun regulations. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is currently operating without a permanent director, with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll serving as acting head following the departure of FBI Director Kash Patel.
The Ongoing Debate Over Gun Control
The FSU shooting has once again brought America’s gun laws under scrutiny. While advocates for tighter regulations argue that legislative action is necessary to prevent future tragedies, Trump and his supporters maintain that protecting constitutional rights takes precedence. The debate is likely to remain a central issue in the national conversation as communities continue to grapple with the impact of gun violence.