Over the weekend, there were mass shootings in both Ohio and Texas that left many devasted, injured and dead. While speaking on the unfortunate events, President Donald Trump stated that the violence at hand is attributed to the use of video games.
In a video uploaded by TMZ today (Aug. 5), Trump explains that our society glorifies violence. The 45th President reasoned that change needs to happen immediately and human life needs to be preserved.
“We must stop the glorification of violence in our society,” Trump said. “This includes the gruesome and grizzly video games that are now commonplace. It is too easy today for troubled youth to surround themselves with a culture that celebrates violence. We must stop or substantially reduce this and it has to begin immediately. Cultural change is hard. But each of us can choose to build a culture that celebrates the inherent worth and dignity of every human life. That’s what we have to do.”
Although Trump doesn’t cite any video games, in particular, popular games that do glorify violence are Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Mortal Kombat and Grand Theft Auto.
Yesterday (Aug. 4), a handful of celebrities expressed their thoughts on the situation. Rihanna called out Trump and explained that it’s easier for someone to obtain a gun rather than a visa. New York spitter, Cardi B, clapped back at Trump after he posted updates on social media regarding the mass shootings.
“We have enough information already!” Cardi wrote on Twitter. “Both of the shooters are white supremacist terrorist with intentions to kill minority’s . Law enforcement took rapid action but what are YOU going to do to control some of your RACIST SUPPORTERS?”
According to CNN, 21-year-old suspect, Patrick Crusius, has been taken into custody. Crusius is being held on a charge of capital murder for the mass shooting in El Paso. As for the shooting that took place in Ohio, authorities identified and killed 24-year-old Connor Betts.