"Our Nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones in the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on February 14, 2018... I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government... until sunset, February 19, 2018," an official statement read.

It further added, "I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."

Mental health over gun-control

The US President has managed to anger a large section of the society after he chose to stress on mental health over gun-control while condoling the victims following the tragedy.

"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," he tweeted.

This prompted angry reactions from other users.

"What about the fact that a 19 year old kid had access to semi automatic weapons? Why is that not being discussed?" tweeted Rhiannon.

Another user, Tori Ann asked Trump why a 19-year old, who was mentally ill, allowed to purchase an assault rifle.

"If he was known to be “mentally disturbed” and a troubled youth that people took notice of then how was he able to legally purchase an assault rifle? What reason does a 19 year old have to warrant this type of weapon?" she said.

Meighan McGuire asked the US President what time is a good time to discuss gun control.

"When is a good time to talk about gun control? Now. #WeNeedGunControlNow," the user tweeted.

US Gun Control Debate and Hypocrisy 

Trump citing mental illness as the prime reason for the 19-year old going rogue and killing 17 people is baffling and hypocritical.

Last year, his government signed a bill, which relaxed gun purchase in the US. The bill he scrapped was drafted by his predecessor Barack Obama, which made it harder for people with mental disease to buy guns.

Additionally, his latest budget proposal is set to bid adieu to Medicaid, the major source of federal funding for treating mental health problems, and cut school safety programs by more than a third.

Before he tossed his hat into the ring as US Presidential candidate, Trump had expressed his interest in having tighter gun control, but did a U-turn following his candidature. The gesture earned him $30 million in support of his campaign from National Rifle Association, who unabashedly advocates the purchase of gun in the US.

Image: A screenshot of a user's post of the alleged shooter on Instagram on US media

Incident could have been avoided?

The Florida shooting incident could have been avoided if the FBI had paid heed to prior warnings and taken steps, reports said.

Nikolas Cruz had reportedly commented on a YouTube post last year that he would be a "professional school shooter".

The post was later reported to the FBI by Ben Bennight, a fellow YouTube user. Confirming the development, the FBI in Its defence said that it was unable to fully identify the person who posted it.

Can't say I'm shocked: Shooter's former schoolmate

Opening up about the incident, Joshua Charo, a former schoolmate of the shooter, said he wasn't shocked that it happened.

"He seemed like the kind of kid who would do something like this," the BBC quoted him as saying.

Others in the school said that they predicted a similar incident.