Trump omits gun control from address on school shooting

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) – President Donald Trump avoided the topic of gun control in a televised address Thursday, a day after 17 adults and students were viciously slaughtered at a Florida high school by a lone gunman with an AR-15 rifle.

Trump instead focused on the suspect's mental health while expressing condolences to those affected by the senseless tragedy, telling them "your suffering is our burden also".

"No child, no teacher, should ever be in danger in an American school," he said.

"We are committed to working with state and local leaders to help secure our schools and tackle the difficult issue of mental health."

Nikolas Cruz, 19, has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder following the rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Cruz was expelled from the high school, according to police.