DC Pride Stampede Caused By Disorderly Straight Couple

Aftabjit Singh arrested at DC Pride for pulling a gun

The mass stampede that brought an end to DC Pride this weekend was triggered by an altercation involving a straight couple, according to the Washington Blade.

When a concerned citizen flagged down police to point out a man with what looked to be a gun, officers approached Aftabjit Singh, 38, and “conducted a stop.”

The officers saw “what appeared to be the body and trigger of a silver handgun” in Singh’s bag. It turned out to be a BB gun.

Singh admitted to pulling the gun on another man who he claimed hit on his “significant other.” He was arrested and charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a BB gun, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon (Outside Home or Place of Business), and Disorderly Conduct - Cause Unreasonable Fear.

His girlfriend, Melissa Duffy, 43, was also charged for assaulting a police officer after she became irate over her boyfriend being arrested.

When the crowd reacted to Singh pulling the gun, hundreds of Pride attendees went running. Police report at least seven were hospitalized for minor injuries.

Police didn’t confirm any gun shots fired, although several people reported they heard what sounded like ‘popping’ sounds. Tom Roussey, a reporter for the local ABC affiliate, tweeted that police believe the crashing sound of barricades being knocked down by frightened spectators was the cause of the sounds.

.@DCPoliceDept says officers found a gun inside Dupont Circle near this man. He is under arrest and will face a gun possession charge. They don’t believe he actually fired it. Their theory is the loud bangs were barricades crashing as the crowd ran away. pic.twitter.com/N6RFeQ4DDL

— Tom Roussey (@tomrousseyABC7) June 9, 2019

Panic at pride. Dozens of people started running from Dupont Circle. I’m trying to find out what happened. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/mHoDp4X1Gm

— Victoria Sanchez (@VictoriaSanchez) June 8, 2019

100 Americans are killed by guns every day so of course people are running for their lives. This isn't how we should have to celebrate #DCPride pic.twitter.com/9X8RhrmNoE

— Jay Franzone (@JayFranzone) June 8, 2019

#DCPride #CapitalPride #shooting Marching in the Gay Pride parade in Washington DC. As my girlfriend and I were walking past Dupont Circle, apparently someone started shooting. I did not hear the shots, but caught the moment of the stampede. People went quickly from smiling, pic.twitter.com/oPQdIrM3dG

— Me (@beingaiden) June 9, 2019

Trump Reverses Regulation Regarding Mentally Disabled Folks Having Access To Guns

Donald Trump

Now, seriously, this makes NO kind of sense.

From USA Today:

President Trump killed a regulation that would have tightened gun background checks Tuesday, signing a bill to undo one of his predecessor's executive actions following the San Bernardino shootings in 2015.

The Obama administration rule required the Social Security Administration to submit records of mentally disabled people to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the FBI database used to determine whether someone can buy a firearm under the 1993 Brady Bill.

The rule would have applied to about 75,000 people who were “adjudicated as a mental defective" and who had applied for Social Security benefits, and had a mechanism to notify those affected so they could appeal. But congressional Republicans said the rule could ensnare people who had mental health issues but otherwise were competent to own a gun.

The Social Security Administration finalized the rule last Dec. 19. But under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has 60 legislative days to disapprove of any new regulation on straight majority votes. The vote was 57-43 in the Senate and 235-180 in the House.

It won't surprise you to learn that Trump did NOT sign the bill in a public setting, but did so privately, away from cameras.

Four Dead As Maniac Opens Fire At A Pittsburgh Synagogue

Terrible news as there has been yet another mass shooting in America today.

A gunman entered a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this morning and opened fire as parents and family were celebrating the birth of a child.

The synagogue was hosting a bris. Parents, perhaps for the first time, were marking the birth of their son just eight days prior — a profound and emotional moment in their collective lives — and a maniac burst in and opened fire.

During a bris.

From The New York Times:

An official in Pittsburgh reported that at least four people were dead and at least 12 people had been shot after a gunman opened fire at a synagogue on Saturday morning.

Erika Strassburger, the city councilwoman for the district that includes the synagogue, the Tree of Life Congregation, said the gunman had surrendered to the police after being barricaded in the building and had been taken to the hospital.

Three police officers were shot but their injuries were not life- threatening, she said.

Asked by reporters about the horrific incident, Donald Trump blamed the victims, not the hate, saying if they had had guns things "maybe nobody would have been killed except him."

President Trump: "This would be a case for if there was an armed guard inside the temple, they would've been able to stop him, maybe there would've been nobody killed except for him" pic.twitter.com/dxf45rGhXr

— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 27, 2018

Donald Trump on Pittsburgh shooting at synagogue: “To see this happening again and again and again, it's just a shame.”

He's asked if there's anything that can be done: “Look at the violence all over the world. The world is violent. The world is a violent world." pic.twitter.com/lx4HfBmThf

— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) October 27, 2018

Parkland Teacher Leaves Loaded Gun In Public Bathroom, Found & Fired By Drunk Homeless Man

Sean Simpson (via screencapture)

Donald Trump's solution to school shootings is to arm teachers in the class room.

Because, what could possibly go wrong?

Other than a gung-ho teacher leaving his gun in a bathroom for a stranger to find...?

The Miami Herald has the details:

Not the most normal sight: a gun left in the bathroom stall. But that’s exactly what went down on Sunday in a men’s room at the Deerfield Beach Pier.

The circumstances of how the Glock 9mm got there are unusual.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the weapon was left by Sean Simpson. If his name sounds familiar, he’s the teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas who said he’d be willing to arm himself while on duty.

According to the sheriff’s office report, Simpson told deputies he’d left his gun by accident. By the time the chemistry teacher realized his mistake, the Glock was already in the hands of a drunk homeless man who had picked it up and fired. The bullet hit a wall.

Simpson was able to grab the gun away from the vagrant, Joseph Spataro, who was charged with firing a weapon while intoxicated and trespassing. As for the MSD teacher, he was arrested and charged with failing to safely store a firearm, a second-degree misdemeanor.

Simpson got slapped with a second degree misdemeanor for failing to properly store a firearm.

The Broward School Board, which includes Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, unanimously rejected the state's new program to arm school staff this week. The funds will be used for more resource officers instead.

Meme Of The Day

(h/t Kenneth-in-the-212)

Georgia Strips Tax Breaks From Delta Airlines Over NRA Discounts

After Delta Airlines announced the company would end its discount with NRA members after the deadly gun massacre at a Florida high school, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle of Georgia threatened the airline with retaliation via tax legislation.

I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.

— Casey Cagle (@CaseyCagle) February 26, 2018

Casey made good on his threat as this week state lawmakers killed a proposed tax break that would have saved Delta Airlines millions.

The new tax bill passed in both chambers with the fuel exemption stripped out. The state Senate voted 44-10 with only Democrats opposing. The House approved the measure 135-24.

Republican Gov. Nathan Deal criticized the Delta kerfuffle but has signaled he would sign the tax measure.

Based in Atlanta, Delta Airlines is the state's largest single employer with 33,000 employees in the state.

Now, that was a pretty strong position to take - basically a $38 million slap to Delta.

You have to wonder how many NRA members have actually used their Delta Airline discount...?

Well, Delta confirmed to USA Today that only 13 discounts had ever been used by NRA members.

So, Casey and company have threatened the state's largest employer over 13 discounts?

I can't imagine that makes for smart economic growth. And I'm not the only one.

Several governors around the country sent clear messages they would be happy to welcome Delta.

Check out just a few of the invitations the airline has received.

Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia:

Hey @delta—Virginia is for lovers and airline hubs. You're welcome here any time. https://t.co/BxxnOhEpt6

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) February 27, 2018

Gov Andrew Cuomo of New York:

.@Delta, if Georgia politicians disagree with your stand against gun violence, we invite you to move your headquarters to New York. https://t.co/BHvyPECWSe

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 27, 2018

Lt. Gov Kathy Hochul of New York:

.@Delta, as one of your most frequent flyers, know that the NY LG admires your principled stance. Let’s continue our great relationship. NY is open for business & ❤'s Delta – move HQ to where you’re appreciated? https://t.co/AZ8xeC0geo

— Kathy Hochul (@LtGovHochulNY) February 26, 2018

Gov. Cyrus Habib of Washington state:

With all due respect to my fellow LG from Georgia, I'd like to thank @Delta for joining the many companies that have ended their partnerships with the NRA, and let them know that they are certainly welcome in our state. https://t.co/lT03MiqXHw

— Cyrus Habib (@cyrushabib) February 27, 2018

Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio:

Hey @Delta — Northeast Ohio would make a great HQ if you’re put off by Mr. Cagle’s authoritarian tendencies. Quality of life, infrastructure, and wonderful communities. I’d love to show you around! https://t.co/7Fsh9g0yAD

— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) February 27, 2018

Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama:

Hey @Delta . You know, in mathematics, Delta represents the change in something, e.g. 🔺HQ. Let’s chat. #BHM

— Randall Woodfin (@WoodfinForBham) February 27, 2018

News Round-Up: March 1, 2018

Some news items you might have missed:

• Awesome illustrator Silverjow (above) reminds us that this is the lunar year of the dog! Make sure you check out his totally woofilicious art on Instagram.

• Washington state will be next to ban so-called "conversion therapy."

• Donald Trump says we need more teachers with guns in schools. And then yesterday, an actual teacher with an actual gun went nuts at a North Georgia high school. I guess that answers the question, "What could possibly go wrong?"

• Four-time married Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis has laughably penned a book about her "courage" to stand up for "traditional marriage." You'll recall she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples due to her "deeply held religious beliefs" about marriage. #SanctityOfMarriageMyAss #ROTFL

• Out Olympian Adam Rippon has been invited to the Oscars!

• Actor Lee Pace, who plays "Joe Pitt" in the Broadway revival of Angels In America, kinda-sorta comes out in an interview with W Magazine.

•  A new Suffolk University/USA Today poll shows 47% of Americans would vote for a Democrat today versus 32% who would vote Republican. This is the third recent poll to show Dems with double-digit lead in upcoming 2018 mid-terms.

• Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts $6.8 billion from the US Housing department budget. But they've still got enough scratch hanging around to buy HUD Secretary Ben Carson a $31,000 dining table for his office.

• The new "Fab 5" from Netflix's Queer Eye offer their advice on how to throw a - what else? - FAB Oscar party.

The cast of Queer Eye

Walmart Raises Age To Purchase Guns To 21

Via press release retail giant Walmart says they will voluntarily raise the age restriction for buying firearms and ammunition to 21 years of age.

In light of recent events, we’ve taken an opportunity to review our policy on firearm sales. Going forward, we are raising the age restriction for purchase of firearms and ammunition to 21 years of age. We will update our processes as quickly as possible to implement this change.

In 2015, Walmart ended sales of modern sporting rifles, including the AR-15. We also do not sell handguns, except in Alaska where we feel we should continue to offer them to our customers. Additionally, we do not sell bump stocks, high-capacity magazines and similar accessories. We have a process to monitor our eCommerce marketplace and ensure our policies are applied.

We take seriously our obligation to be a responsible seller of firearms and go beyond Federal law by requiring customers to pass a background check before purchasing any firearm. The law would allow the sale of a firearm if no response to a background check request has been received within three business days, but our policy prohibits the sale until an approval is given.

We are also removing items from our website resembling assault-style rifles, including nonlethal airsoft guns and toys. Our heritage as a company has always been in serving sportsmen and hunters, and we will continue to do so in a responsible way.

Liberal Redneck: "The Right To Bear Harm"

Trae Crowder, the "Liberal Redneck," is back with a YouTube rant on the idea of more guns in schools."

First porch rant is awhile is about guns again. Gettin hard not to talk about guns yall. Call me a radical, but I could do without wholesale slaughter. But that's just me.

And Crowder is not shy on his funny but also clear-headed opinions on guns in schools.

"Look, I love teachers - noble profession. But in my time as a student I saw enough of those mothersf*ckers show up too hung over to operate a VCR. And you want to give them an AR-15?"

"It's funny to me that when Democrats want to give medications to poor kids the GOP screams 'This is not a socialist country.' But when someone mentions making art class into a Sylvester Stallone movie, well all of a sudden they're Bernie-f*cking-Sanders."

Crowder also takes on the Lt. Governor of Georgia who literally threatened Delta Airlines (largest employer in his state) for putting an end to NRA travel discounts.

Watch Trae's spot-on commentary below.

Trump Says He'd Have Run Into School Shooting "Even If I Didn't Have A Weapon"

Speaking to the nation's governors today about the deputy sheriff who failed to intervene during the gun massacre at Stoneman Douglas High School, Donald Trump said, "I really believe I'd run in there, even if I didn't have a weapon."

WATCH: "I really believe I'd run in there, even if I didn't have a weapon," President Trump asserts while discussing Florida school mass shooting response. https://t.co/KvQU9lpFGr pic.twitter.com/keCu0FrF92

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 26, 2018

This would be the same Donald Trump who dodged the Vietnam draft five times claiming he had "bone spurs" in one of his feet (he can't seem to remember which foot).

Trump: “I really believe I'd run in there even if I didn't have a weapon." pic.twitter.com/sJshZ4rN94

— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) February 26, 2018

Trump said he would have run to face the shooter even without a weapon.
He could not run 50 years ago toward Vietnam because bone spur.

— ALT- Immigration 🛂 (@ALT_uscis) February 26, 2018

"I really believe I'd run in there even if I didn't have a weapon."

-Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/sORhBVKn2e

— andy lassner (@andylassner) February 26, 2018

Trump on Florida massacre: 'I really believe I'd run in there even if I didn't have a weapon' pic.twitter.com/4Rx5uAztQ9

— Jonathan Capehart (@CapehartJ) February 26, 2018

"I really believe I'd run in there even if I didn't have a weapon," Trump said, according to The Associated Press. I believe you, Captain Bone Spurs & I really believe that due to an unexpected write-in vote, I'll win an Oscar this Sunday. #ItsFunToPretend

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) February 26, 2018

White House Holds 'Listening Session' With High School Students On Gun Violence

Donald Trump hosted a "listening session" at the White House today inviting students who were present at the Parkland, Florida, shooting last week as well as parents who lost children in the Sandy Hook massacre five years ago.

I'll say up front the crowd seemed to be very "Trump-friendly" in makeup.  Lots of "I think you're doing a great job" was heard throughout the discussion.

One of the prevailing ideas seemed to be arming and training teachers with guns as a solution. Trump calls it "concealed carry for teachers."

My first thought upon hearing that is that every on-duty police officer who was shot in the line of duty was armed. Armed and trained to use their firearm.

What is a 7th grade social studies teacher with 30 frightened students going to do with a Glock?

I don't know what the answers are although I think universal background checks for all gun purchases would be a good start.

And 97% of Americans agree with that concept according to the latest polling.

Additionally, sixty-six percent of Americans support stricter gun laws.

I think if you can't legally buy a drink or are on a 'no-fly' list, you shouldn't be able to buy a gun.

I do think sane adults should be able to buy the hunting rifle they desire after passing a background check.

The founding fathers had no idea when they penned the Constitution we would have such weapons of mass destruction like AR-15s.

There will be an open Townhall on CNN tonight airing at 9ET/6PT.

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

President Trump on concealed carry for teachers: "If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms, they could very well end the attack very quickly." pic.twitter.com/dQWl1foLii

— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 21, 2018

Less than two years ago, Trump argued AGAINST more guns in schools:

Crooked Hillary said that I want guns brought into the school classroom. Wrong!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2016

And here is Sam Zeif, whose texts with his brother during the shooting went viral, pleading for a change in gun laws: https://t.co/TMt0ULliiP

— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) February 21, 2018

Latest Quinnipiac poll: https://t.co/2gk74zrqAg

• 66% of Americans support stricter gun laws
• 67% support assault weapons ban
• 83% favor mandatory waiting period for gun purchases
• 97% back universal background checks

— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 21, 2018

Father of Sandy Hook victim: "Schoolteachers have more than enough responsibilities right now than to have to have the awesome responsibility of lethal force to take a life." pic.twitter.com/ZdoaxGYjcC

— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 21, 2018

A kid too young buy a handgun should be too young to buy an #AR15. Working with @SenFeinstein on a bipartisan bill that will raise the minimum purchase age for non-military buyers from 18 to 21 - the same age you currently have to be to purchase a handgun.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) February 21, 2018

I want to know why Emma Gonzalez and the Parkland students in the national spotlight aren’t at the President’s listening session. The focus seem to be focused on everything but easy access to guns.

— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) February 21, 2018

We uh... were not invited.

But we have important things to do and talk about, we don’t have time to thank these people for taking half a step in the right direction.

Watch the CNN town hall tonight. Trust me. #NEVERAGAIN #MarchForOurLives https://t.co/tuQdpnbW1T

— Cameron Kasky (@cameron_kasky) February 21, 2018

Donald Trump Orders Ban On "Bump Stocks"

President Trump says he's signed a memorandum directing Attorney General Sessions to propose regulations to ban "all devices that turn legal weapons into machine guns."

From The New York Times:

President Trump ordered the Justice Department on Tuesday to propose regulations to ban so-called bump stocks, which can convert a semiautomatic gun into an automatic weapon like the one used last year in the massacre of concertgoers in Las Vegas.

Speaking at the White House days after a mass shooting at a Florida high school that killed 14 students and three teachers, Mr. Trump said that he had directed Attorney General Jeff Sessions to develop the regulations, saying that the step would help prevent future mass shootings.

The White House had said last year that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was performing a review of whether it could regulate bump stocks after the shooting in Las Vegas, which killed dozens of people. Even as Mr. Trump was speaking on Tuesday, a bureau official told a reporter that the review was continuing.

But the president said that he had signed a memorandum on Tuesday effectively short-circuiting that review.

Watch Trump's comments below.

BREAKING: President Trump says he's directed Attorney General Sessions to propose regulations to ban "all devices that turn legal weapons into machine guns." https://t.co/kFKRt6pMzE pic.twitter.com/TXr3m18P2J

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 20, 2018

Tweet Of The Day

Ohio: 7th Grader Shoots Himself In Middle School Restroom

Gun advocates say there should be MORE guns in schools.

And that's how these kinds of incidents happen.

From the CBS affiliate in Cleveland:

Schools in the Jackson Local School District in Stark County are on lockdown after a seventh grade student shot himself on a middle school campus.

Just before 8 a.m., a student shot himself in the men's restroom at Jackson Memorial Middle School, according to Jackson Township Police. The school is about 55 miles south of Cleveland.

Police say the boy was transported to a nearby hospital. His condition is not known at this time.

Police have not said if the shooting is accidental or intentional, but they are calling it self-inflicted.

All other students and faculty members were no injured.

White House: Trump Is "Supportive" Of Efforts To Improve Background Checks For Gun Purchases

The White House has announced Donald Trump "is supportive of efforts to improve the federal background check system" in the aftermath of the Florida shooting last week which left 17 dead and dozens injured.

Via CNN:

Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said in a statement on Monday that Trump spoke with Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, on Friday about a bill he introduced with Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, that aims to strengthen how state and federal governments report offenses that could prohibit people from buying a gun.

"While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the President is supportive of efforts to improve the federal background check system," Shah said. Students, teachers and lawmakers have urged Trump and other Republican lawmakers to take action on guns in the wake of the Parkland, Florida, shooting.

Trump, however, ran for president as a pro-gun candidate and tied himself to the National Rifle Association throughout the campaign. The White House didn't vigorously push the Cornyn-Murphy bill when it was introduced, and the President also said he was open to banning bump stocks, devices that enable rifles to fire more rapidly, in the wake of last fall's Las Vegas shooting -- but there hasn't been significant further action by the White House on that front, either.

To date, the only action taken by Donald Trump on the issue of guns was to roll back regulations that made it more difficult for those with mental health problems to get firearms.

Trump Calls Out "Mentally Disturbed" Shooter, Fails To Mention He Revoked Gun Regulation For People With Mental Illness

In the painful aftermath of the high school gun shooting in Florida yesterday, Donald Trump took to Twitter today to shift the discussion from any meaningful gun control measures to the idea that the shooter was apparently mentally ill.

Trump wrote, "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!"

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

The Trumpster almost seems to be blaming the students and neighbors for not reporting the shooter.

According to CNN's Jake Tapper, the shooter was "a client at a mental health clinic" though he had not been at the clinic in more than a year.

What Trump failed to include was that he signed a bill into law a year ago that rolled back Obama-era regulations that made it harder for those with a history of mental illness to obtain a gun.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters, "While people in this country with mental health issues are being treated they should not be able to buy, surround themselves, purchase or carry a hand gun. Those two things don't mix."

Sounds like a logical idea to me.

It took less than 24 hours to make the latest school shooting about mental health and not anything to do with type of, or access to, guns https://t.co/7Ci2yavpl3

— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) February 15, 2018

Trump laying the onus on the students, not members of Congress, to help prevent the next school shooting https://t.co/m56tNKDUjJ

— Sam Stein (@samstein) February 15, 2018

All true. He should never have been able to purchase guns. But how about the ready availability of assault weapons that, time and again, enable efficient killing on a massive scale? Are you not strong enough, Mr. @POTUS, to take THAT on? https://t.co/tXUv5ReJYo

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) February 15, 2018

So many signs you loosened restrictions on mentally ill people buying guns https://t.co/8MVc6OO6rL

— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) February 15, 2018

Former FBI Agent Has Had Enough Of The Mass School Shootings

Just when you think we might grow immune to these mass shootings (like the GOP has), today we saw a tough, experienced former FBI agent break down in tears over today's shooting in Florida.

Philip Mudd is about as tough as you can get. He's interviewed terrorists without blinking.

“I have ten nieces and nephews,” Mudd said. “We’re talking about bump stocks, we’re talking about legislation. A child of god is dead. Can we not acknowledge in this country that we cannot accept this?”

“I can’t do it, Wolf,” he told CNN’s Wolff Blitzer. “I’m sorry, I can’t do it.” Blitzer mercifully moved on to another analyst.

I've never seen him get emotional in any way when explaining the whys and wherefores of terrorist events.

This is rough. America has had enough.

Thanks for the prayers and condolences, but can our lawmakers do SOMETHING?

Wow, Philip Mudd, a former FBI agent who has interviewed terrorists broke down crying talking about the latest school shooting pic.twitter.com/Kp4rMfcS3L

— Salvador Hernandez (@SalHernandez) February 14, 2018

(h/t JoeMyGod)

Florida: Numerous Fatalities Reported At Broward County High School

From The New York Times:

Numerous fatalities were reported in a shooting on Wednesday afternoon at a high school about an hour northwest of Miami.

The authorities said there were 14 victims, but did not say if they were injured or dead. The Broward County Public Schools confirmed fatalities, but would not say how many. Television images showed students running away from the school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, and law enforcement officers around the building.

The Broward County sheriff’s office wrote on Twitter that the suspect is now in custody and the scene is still active.

“The shooter was not a current student,” Sheriff Scott Israel said on Twitter.

Senator Bill Nelson told MSNBC there were multiple fatalities. Two hospitals, Broward Health North in Pompano Beach and Broward Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, received multiple patients, according to Jennifer Smith, a spokeswoman for the hospitals.

“There are numerous fatalities. It is a horrific situation,” Robert W. Runcie, the Broward schools superintendent, told CNN. “It is a horrible day for us.”

Donald Trump and the Republicans have refused to take any consequential measures or enact any meaningful legislation in an effort to regulate guns, bullets, or accessories like "bump stocks" used in the nation's deadliest mass shooting last year in Las Vegas.

This is the 19th school shooting this year.

The good news is Donald Trump just tweeted his "prayers and condolences" so everything should be just hunky dory. That'll fix everything, right?

My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2018

I know, right? It's almost like doing absolutely nothing to stop school shootings hasn't worked at all. https://t.co/IKsBhhh6IZ

— shauna (@goldengateblond) February 14, 2018

Florida has higher rate of gun deaths than the national average & has relatively lax gun laws:

-- No license for firearm owners

-- No background check for transferring firearms

-- No regulations on assault weapons

-- Firearm dealers don't need a license

— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) February 14, 2018

7 dead, 14 injured in Parkland. @realDonaldTrump sends thoughts and prayers. @FLGovScott sends thoughts and prayers.
Our children are dying as you soak in your @NRA money! https://t.co/wpJ98hG0HL

— Amy Siskind (@Amy_Siskind) February 14, 2018

Just spoke to Broward School Superintendent. Today is that terrible day you pray never comes.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 14, 2018

You voted against background checks. https://t.co/Hhu2mhGi0g https://t.co/q8nYFWY4qw

— Ian Millhiser (@imillhiser) February 14, 2018

If only you had the power to do something about it other than post bible verses 🤔 https://t.co/MJpbC8CJEl

— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) February 14, 2018

Like clockwork:

- NRA goes quiet

- Republicans tweet thoughts & prayers

- twitter bots say don’t politicize

But you’re damn right I’m politicizing. These massacres are a political choice to do nothing. #Parkland

— Jack Miller (@politicalmiller) February 14, 2018

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Bans "Bump Stocks" On Last Day In Office

Gov. Chris Christie

Color me surprised by outoing New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

From NJ.com:

New Jersey has now banned “bump stocks,” controversial firearm accessories allegedly used by the shooter in last year’s Las Vegas massacre.

The devices can be affixed to semiautomatic rifles to allow them to fire bullets, mimicking automatic weapons.

But under the new law — which takes effect immediately — anyone who owns one has 90 days to surrender them to authorities. Retailers have 30 days.

Christie, a Republican, signed the law even though he has long opposed new gun-control measures in the state.

Video: Guns Have Changed

This illustrates exactly how outdated the 2nd Amendment is. Via @SUPGVNetwork pic.twitter.com/zUGCzLJ2f1

— Dave Weasel (@DaveWeasel) October 4, 2017

The 2nd Amendment was written 226 years ago.

Imagine trying to write laws today that govern weapons in the year 2243.