TEXAS – As details emerge of the shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas that left 26 people dead and 20 more injured, President Donald Trump was quick to brand the attack a “mental health problem”, sparking criticism on social media.
“Mental health is your problem here,” Trump said during a news conference in Tokyo, noting that “based on preliminary reports” the shooter was “a very deranged individual.”
“This isn’t a guns situation,” Trump said. “This is a mental health problem at the highest level. It’s a very, very sad event. A very, very sad event, but that’s the way I view it.”
Trump’s reaction was criticized by many on twitter, who compared it to his tweets following other terrorist attacks blamed on Muslims.
“How does he know?” asked Wajahat Ali. “And, again, why are all white shooters lone radicals with mental health problems and everyone else a terrorist?”
How does he know? And, again, why are all white shooters lone radicals with mental health problems and everyone else a terrorist? https://t.co/4xsSgqtUl0
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) November 6, 2017
Others were quick to compare Trump’s reaction whenever the perpetrator is a Muslim.
Republicans after NY: Ban all Muslims!
Republicans after Vegas and Texas: Hey banning guns won’t solve anything#hypocrisy #Trump
— Tim Killian (@TimKillian25) November 5, 2017
58 dead in Las Vegas: No time for politics. Don’t take our guns.
27 dead in Texas: No time for politics. Don’t take our guns.
8 dead in NYC: KEEP ALL THE MUSLIMS OUT THE USA!!
What is wrong with us?
— Keith Johnson (@notreallykeith) November 5, 2017
As long as people continue to misdirect their fear to “Muslims” and not white male domestic abusers, these tragedies will never end #Texas
— georgia (@lemonadenormani) November 6, 2017
Trump says Texas shooting due to “mental health problem,” not a gun issue https://t.co/QoitnbIZuU
New rules for living in a Trumpocracy:
Muslims Shooter = Terrorist
Black Shooters = Thug
Latino Shooter = MS-13
White Shooter = Crazy pic.twitter.com/flxYBwHh7l— Al (@2668) November 6, 2017
#Texas We should kick out all the Muslims from USA ,what?he is white and Christians!!hmmm,poor guy with mentally ill ?#Texas
— Badin (@iY4dn4M0iaAj7Us) November 6, 2017
8 killed in NYC terror attack: Trumpkins – “Deport all Muslims!”
dozens killed in Texas shooting: Trumpkins – “Don’t politicize a tragedy!”— Jack Walker (@JackTheFact29) November 5, 2017