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The president did not directly mention the debate over gun policy reform in his roughly six minute long speech.

He also did not answer a reporter's shouted question \"Why does this keep happening in America? Will you do something about guns?\"

\"Mr. President, why does this keep happening to America? Will you do something about guns?\" Pres. Trump was asked as he left following his statement on the Florida school shooting. https://t.co/6jt5uoFfum pic.twitter.com/tF1nzPicEJ

— ABC News (@ABC) February 15, 2018

As he has previously in the debate over how to prevent further mass shootings, the president largely focused on the issue of mental health. On Thursday, he pointed to the shooter's history of mental illness in a tweet.

So many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, even expelled from school for bad and erratic behavior. Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 15, 2018

Former President Barack Obama, who during his tenure in office frequently expressed frustration over the lack of meaningful gun policy reform, tweeted that the most recent school shooting is another example of why action is needed.

We are grieving with Parkland. But we are not powerless. Caring for our kids is our first job. And until we can honestly say that we're doing enough to keep them safe from harm, including long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want, then we have to change.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 15, 2018

In his remarks, Trump seemed to direct his message squarely at those who have immediately called for restrictions on gun ownership in the wake of the shooting.

“It is not enough to simply take actions that make us feel like we are making a difference, we must actually make that difference,” Trump said. “In times of tragedy, the bonds that sustain us are those of family, faith, community and country.”

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