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Florida GOP leaders respond to shooting with ‘thoughts and prayers’

As they have after other shootings, like Orlando’s Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 that killed 50 people and a shooting in Fort Lauderdale’s airport that left five people dead in 2017, GOP leaders offered symbolic gestures of support.
 
Published Feb. 14, 2018|Updated Feb. 15, 2018

Moments after the shooting at a Broward County high school on Wednesday, President Donald Trump offered Florida any federal assistance needed, the White House said.

"Just spoke to Gov. Rick Scott," Trump said on Twitter. "We are working closely with law enforcement on the terrible Florida school shooting."

Scott, who earlier in the day had been in California raising money for the pro-Trump New Republican Super PAC that targets younger and Hispanic voters, said he spoke with Trump and Broward officials by 3:30 p.m. Shortly after 5 p.m., Scott announced he was heading to Broward to be briefed on the situation by law enforcement.

As they have after other shootings, like Orlando's Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016 that killed 50 people and a shooting in Fort Lauderdale's airport that left five people dead in 2017, GOP leaders offered symbolic gestures of support. As a party, Republicans have stood firm against imposing most, if not all, gun control measures.

Both Scott and Trump on Twitter offered their "thoughts and prayers" to the victims.

Florida lawmakers, who were busy passing and discussing legislation dealing with issues like Day Light's Savings  and ending child marriage in Florida, also acknowledged the shooting.

Florida Democrats also offered symbolic support, but they also suggested something more.

"Hoping and praying for the safety of the victims of today's shooting in Parkland," said Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach. "We may not know the full details yet, but we do know that these attacks should never be treated as just another day in America."

"Sitting here on the House floor, I'm not only reminded of the horror the students and families at Stoneman Douglas must be going through, but I'm also reminded of why I'm here and what's really important," tweeted Rep. Carlos Guillermo. Smith, D-Orlando, who has been an outspoken advocate for gun control measures.