President Donald Trump was asked if he would call for stricter gun control measures following the tragic shooting at Florida State University and responded with nine chilling words

President Donald Trump has described the tragic shooting at Florida State University, which left two dead and at least five injured, as “a shame,” but suggested he’s not inclined to advocate for changes in America’s gun laws.

Despite the bloodshed, he showed resistance to revising America’s gun laws. Fielding questions from journalists about the possibility of tighter gun control, he asserted, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.” Holding fast to constitutional rights, he continued, “I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment.”

The incident on the university in Tallahassee claimed two lives with six others wounded after a person opened fire on campus. Law enforcement reported that 20-year-old suspect, Phoenix Ikner, was apprehended after a confrontation with police who shot him.

Historically, Trump has stood against stricter gun regulations. In February, he signed an executive action instructing Attorney General Pam Bondi to consider reversing specific Biden-era gun control measures, including more stringent regulations for gun dealers. His administration did impose limitations on “bump stocks” post-Las Vegas shooting; however, the Supreme Court later nullified this motion.

Although Trump initially signaled a potential openness to expand firearm purchase background checks early in his term, his stance appeared to waver following discussions with then-NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre.

In a fiery speech on the campaign trail, Trump warned his supporters in October 2024 that the Second Amendment “is under siege,” while proudly mentioning his endorsement from the NRA.

The chaos unfolded at approximately 11:50 a. m. near the student union, according to FSU Chief of Police Jason Trumbower. Campus police were quick to act, confronting and detaining the assailant, he detailed.

Tallahassee cop, Lawrence Revell, disclosed that the alleged gunman “did not comply with commands.” Trumbower revealed that the two fatalities were not enrolled as students at the institution.

Authorities reported that five additional individuals sustained gunshot injuries, with six people in total being hospitalized. The identity of the last individual, possibly the suspect, was not immediately known, but it was confirmed that he received medical treatment.

Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil identified the shooter as 20 year old Phoenix Ikner, revealing that he is the offspring of a Leon County sheriff deputy.

McNeil further explained that Ikner had access to his mother’s firearms due to her employment with the sheriff’s office. The handgun found on Ikner upon his arrest was his mother’s former service weapon, Revell stated.

A CNN law enforcement source reported the discovery of a shotgun at the student union and another firearm in the suspect’s vehicle.