Breaking: Trump Demands Death Penalty in 'Hate Crimes & Mass Murders' 'Without Years of Needless Delay'
President Donald Trump addressed the nation Monday morning in the wake of two mass shootings that took place over the weekend.
Trump called the shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, crimes against humanity, saying “America weeps for the fallen” and children in America are “entitled to grow up in a just, peaceful and loving society.”
The president emphasized keeping a closer watch on the internet and social media to stop shootings before they start, adding, “The perils of internet and social media cannot be ignored and will not be ignored.” It was not clear if he was referring to hate groups online or the ability of authorities to use social media to potentially identify shooters before they act.
Trump urged the political class to find real, bipartisan solutions, while he also called on authorities to do a better job identifying potential shooters and acting.
“We vow to act with urgent resolve,” he said, then laying out four initiatives to combat mass shootings.
First, the president called on social media companies to help identify mass shooters before they carry out their plans.
Second, Trump urged an end to the glorification of violence in society, singling out “gruesome video games.” He added that that glorification of violence must “stop or substantially reduce, and it must begin immediately.”
Third, he called for reforms to health laws to better identify people with mental issues that might lead to mass violence, making sure those who pose a grave risk to society don’t have or can’t gain access to firearms. He also called for the adoption of “red flag” laws, which allow police or family members to have guns taken away from people they suspect to be dangerous to themselves or others.
Fourth, the president said he is directing the Department of Justice to “propose legislation ensuring that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty, and that this capital punishment be delivered quickly, decisively and without years of needless delay.”
Note: This is a breaking report. Details and quotes are subject to update and revision.
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