Donald Trump Says US Gun Laws Not To Blame For Texas Mass Shooting

Donald Trump has responded to the worst mass shooting in Texas history, saying that guns were not responsible for the atrocity.

Speaking following the incident that is believed to have killed at least 26 people, the US President told a press conference in Tokyo that the gunman was 'a very deranged individual, [with] a lot of problems'. Watch him here:

Credit: White House Press Office

"We have a lot of mental health problems in our country, as do other countries. But this isn't a guns situation," he said. "Fortunately somebody else had a gun that was shooting in the opposite direction."

"This is a mental health problem at the highest level," he added. "It's a very, very sad event."

A motive behind the attack, believed to have been carried out by 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley, is yet to be determined by authorities and they have not yet broached the subject of mental health.

However, a number of figures in American politics have said it demonstrates a need to increase regulations on gun ownership.

Connecticut senator Chris Murphy said Republican lawmakers "need to think about whether the political support of the gun industry is worth the blood that flows endlessly onto the floors of American churches, elementary schools, movie theatres and city streets."

He added: "As long as our nation chooses to flood the country with dangerous weapons and consciously let those weapons fall into the hands of dangerous people, these killings will not abate."

Connecticut senator Chris Murphy. Credit: PA Images

"Enough is enough," added Richard Blumenthal, who is also senator for Connecticut. "Now is the time for commonsense gun violence prevention steps."

He added: "Prayers are important but insufficient. After another unspeakable tragedy, Congress must act - or be complicit."

Gun control in America has been a topic of hot debate, following a number of massacres in recent years, with Democrats generally more in favour of increasing regulation and Republicans arguing controls would violate the country's second amendment.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Texas, World News, US News, Donald Trump, Politics

James Dawson

James Dawson is a Journalist at LADbible. He has contributed articles to LADbible’s ‘Knowing Me, Knowing EU’ series on the EU referendum, the 'Electoral Dysfunction' series on the 2017 general election, the ‘U OK M8?’ series tackling mental health amongst young men, and for its ‘Climate Change’ initiative in partnership with National Geographic.

@thejaytoday