Trump sends Melania to soften pro-gun narrative after school mass shooting
US first lady Melania Trump says students rallying across the country against gun ownership in the wake of a mass shooting at a Florida school actually "deserve a voice."
Speaking during a White House meeting on gun control and school safety on Monday, US President Donald Trump’s wife did not mention her husband’s close ties with the pro-gun National Rifle Association (NRA).
The 47-year-old first lady voiced support for students protesting gun violence in the backdrop of the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on the afternoon of February 14.
“I have been heartened to see children across this country using their voices to speak out and try to create change," she said. "They are our future, and they deserve a voice.”
Seventeen students and school staff were killed and 16 more were injured in the shooting.
The 19-year-old shooter, identified as Nikolas Cruz, fired some 100 shots by his AR-15 rifle.
The tragic event revived the ongoing gun control issue in the country, leading to protests spearheaded by students themselves.
"In my year as first lady, I have also learned that often times after a tragedy, you see the strength and resilience of the human spirit," Melania said.
The president himself met Wednesday with some of the survivors of the attack in the State Dining Room of the White House.
Melania asserted in her speech that she wants to "make sure we know how to nurture and protect the most valuable part of our society and our future."
"Children, I hope you will join me today in my efforts and ask for your support," she said. "My office is reaching out to many of you in the future as we travel the country and work to promote and fight for the well-being of our children."
This is while the president has proposed arming teachers as a solution to gun violence in schools.
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