It was probably an expected response, but there it is: the White House believes that now – in the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in recent American history – is not the time to talk about gun control.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said it was “premature” to talk about political and legislative means of ensuring that this kind of attack doesn’t happen again.
“There’s a time and place for a political debate, but now is the time to unite as a country,” Sanders said, noting “there will be certainly time for that policy discussion to take place, but that’s not the place that we’re in at this moment.”
Sarah Huckabee Sanders talks about Vegas massacre. “now is the time to unite as a country. “ pic.twitter.com/KBue9HTUmz
— Cassy Arsenault (@CassyArsenault) October 2, 2017
The statement followed Trump’s uncharacteristically measured address, in which he said he hoped the nation would find “unity and peace”.
“My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock and grief,” said Mr. Trump.
He added, “I know we are searching for some kind of meaning the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness, the answers do not come easy.”
ICYMI: President Trump’s full remarks on the Las Vegas shooting pic.twitter.com/y0oqTp0O4T
— POLITICO (@politico) October 2, 2017
