Trump Accused of Fueling Violence After Brown University Shooting
UPDATE: Senator Chris Murphy has accused President Donald Trump of orchestrating a “deliberate campaign” to escalate violence across the United States. This urgent statement comes just hours after a gunman was apprehended following a deadly shooting at Brown University on September 30, 2023, which left at least two people dead and nine others wounded.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” with host Dana Bash, Murphy pointed to Trump’s decision to close the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and cut bipartisan funding for gun violence prevention. “He has been engaged in a pretty deliberate campaign to try to make violence more likely in this country,” Murphy stated, expressing concern that the consequences of such actions would manifest on the streets of America.
The shooting, which occurred on the Ivy League campus, involved a shooter who fired more than 40 rounds from a 9 mm firearm. Authorities confirmed early Sunday that a suspect is now in custody, but the impact on the community is profound. “What I know is that a community never, ever recovers from a shooting like this,” Murphy lamented, reflecting on the long-lasting trauma that follows such tragedies.
Since the horrific Sandy Hook shooting that claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults in December 2012, Murphy has emerged as a leading voice for gun control, advocating for comprehensive reforms. He noted that the victims of the latest shooting will not be the last if current trends continue. “The trauma and the cost is not just in the lives lost… but that community in Providence won’t recover,” he added, highlighting the emotional toll on survivors and families.
Murphy’s remarks come amid a broader call for action in Washington, which he claims is lacking. “Unfortunately, right now we don’t have the leadership in Washington to do anything, anything to respond to the shooting this weekend,” he asserted.
Despite these challenges, Murphy remains committed to seeking bipartisan solutions to gun violence. However, he criticized Trump and Congressional Republicans for their perceived allegiance to gun lobbyists. “I will never stop trying to get bipartisan support, but I think it is pretty clear that President Trump and this White House are in the pocket of the gun lobby,” he said, stressing the urgent need for change.
As lawmakers grapple with the aftermath of this shooting, the focus intensifies on how to prevent further tragedies. Murphy’s call for action serves as a reminder of the ongoing crisis of gun violence in America and the urgent need for effective leadership.
The White House has not yet responded to Murphy’s accusations, leaving many to wonder what steps, if any, will be taken to address the escalating violence in the nation. As the community of Providence mourns and seeks answers, the critical dialogue on gun reform is more relevant than ever.
