PERRY, Iowa – Former President Donald Trump made controversial comments at a campaign event in Iowa following a deadly high school shooting in the state. Just 36 hours after the tragic incident left one student dead and seven people injured, Trump told the audience to “get over it.” This comes as Trump continues his efforts to seek a second term in the upcoming Republican presidential primary caucuses on January 15th.
The shooting in Perry, Iowa, resulted in the death of a sixth-grade student and injuries to seven others. The shooter, a 17-year-old student at the targeted school, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police also found an improvised explosive device during a search of the school while responding to the shooting.
In his remarks, Trump expressed sympathy for the victims and their families before stating, “It’s just horrible – so surprising to see it here. But we have to get over it. We have to move forward.” This is not the first time Trump has drawn criticism for his response to a shooting incident, as he previously deflected from having a substantial conversation about gun violence in the US.
Trump’s comments were swiftly condemned by the Democratic Super Pac American Bridge, calling his remarks “beyond the pale, even for Trump.” Despite facing numerous legal challenges, Trump remains a dominant figure in polling for the Republican presidential nomination this year. He faces 91 criminal charges related to the 2020 election and other legal issues, including civil litigation over his business practices and a rape allegation that a judge deemed “substantially true.”
In summary, Trump’s response to the Perry school shooting has sparked sharp criticism while he continues his campaign efforts in Iowa, seeking to secure the Republican nomination for the presidency. The tragic incident has once again brought attention to the ongoing debate around gun violence in the US.