- President Donald Trump spoke at a press conference Monday about implementing “red-flag laws” to help with confiscating guns when threats are detected.
- Media outlets published misleading headlines indicated that Trump had not mentioned gun reform laws.
- Trump also wrote on Twitter Monday morning about developing background checks following two mass shootings over the weekend.
“In his somber remarks, Mr. Trump repeated his past endorsement of so-called ‘red flag’ laws that would allow for the confiscation of firearms from people found to be mentally ill and said mental health laws should be changed to allow for the involuntary confinement of people at risk of committing violence,” the NYT article read.
“The president did not call for additional gun control measures on Monday, instead blaming violent video games and mental illness, among other factors, for the scourge of mass shootings,” the NBC News sub-headline read. The headline is “Trump condemns ‘racism, bigotry and white supremacy’ after weekend of mass shootings.'”
NBC News dedicated a few sentences to Trump’s red-flag laws.
“Trump also gave his support in his remarks to so-called red-flag laws, which would allow family members to obtain a court order to take away a relative’s firearm if they believe he or she posed a risk. The measure has been backed by Republicans while Democrats have focused on improving background checks,” the paragraph read.
“That is why I have called for red-flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders,” Trump announced Monday. “Today I’m also directing the Department of Justice to propose legislation ensuring that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty, and that this capital punishment be delivered quickly, decisively and without years of needless delay. These are just a few of the areas of cooperation that we can pursue.”
“I am open and ready to listen and discuss all ideas that will actually work and make a very big difference. Republicans and Democrats have proven that we can join together in a bipartisan fashion to address this plague.”
The Wall Street Journal also alleged that Trump didn’t offer gun-control proposals. The headline Monday read “Trump Condemns Racism, Bigotry and White Supremacy After Weekend Shootings.”
Trump also wrote on Twitter about another possible measure to curb gun violence. He called for more background checks Monday morning on Twitter before the press conference. He did not mention the background checks during the press conference.
