President Voices Optimism On Gun Background Checks
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump’s response to recent mass shootings (all times local):
10:15 a.m.
President Donald Trump is voicing optimism that some sort of firearms background check measure will be instituted following the recent mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that “we have to have meaningful background checks.” He added that he lobbied Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has previously opposed most gun control measures.
The powerful National Rifle Association gun lobby also has opposed the policy in the past. Trump did not say what he has done to bring the NRA aboard.
Trump has enjoyed broad support from the NRA. Polling suggests a vast majority of the public would support some sort of background check legislation.
The White House threatened to veto a House-passed background checks bill earlier this year.
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8:35 a.m.
President Donald Trump says he’s talking with the powerful National Rifle Association and others to make sure that their “very strong views” about the Second Amendment are represented and respected in discussions about gun control legislation.
He tweeted Friday that he’s one of the biggest supporters of the right to bear arms, but that everyone must unite and find ways to respond to mass shootings in America.
Trump says leaders in the House and Senate are having “serious discussions” about background checks for buying guns.
Trump repeated his claim that guns should not be “placed in the hands of mentally ill or deranged people” and said common sense solutions can be implemented for the good of everyone.