Presidential Candidates Weigh In on Orlando Shootings

Presumptive presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were interviewed on Today regarding the tragedy in Orlando over the weekend, the worst mass shooting in U.S. History. “We had an assault weapons ban. It expired. We need to reinstate it,” said Clinton, speaking with Savannah Guthrie, “From San Bernardino to Aurora, Colo., to Sandy Hook, and now, to Orlando, we have seen the devastation that the military-style weapons cause.”

While Clinton emphasized a need for more gun control legislation, her likely opponent in the upcoming presidential race, Donald Trump, instead shifted the blame to the Obama administration. “He doesn’t want to discuss it. He doesn’t want to properly describe it,” said Trump, also speaking with Guthrie. “If you don’t discuss it and describe it properly, you’ll never solve the problem. He’s never going to solve the problem. He doesn’t want to call the problem what it really is.” Trump was also quick to attack Clinton’s stance that there should be a ban on assault weapons, stating there were already “millions out there.” “She’s the wrong person at the wrong time. She doesn’t understand the issue,” explained Trump. “She’s weak. Ineffective. She does not understand the issue. She would be the wrong person.”

Trump was defiant when Guthrie pointed out that he had seemingly taken credit for predicting the attack.

Hillary Clinton deflected Trump’s criticism and made it clear that this unspeakable act is one that affects us all. “It’s a moment for everybody to come together, and remember those who have been murdered, stand with every person who is suffering and grieving,” said Clinton. “Then, try to figure out what we can do.”

Watch: John Oliver opens show by addressing Orlando shooting:

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