President Donald Trump addressed the nation Thursday, telling those affected by Wednesday's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that "we are here for you, whatever we can do to ease your pain."
And he promised to work with state and local authorities to "tackle the difficult issue of mental health."
Trump spoke for more than six minutes about Wednesday's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Seventeen people died and Nikolas Cruz, 19, a former student, has been charged with 17 counts of murder.
"To every parent teacher and child who is hurting so badly: We are here for you, whatever you need, whatever we can do to ease your pain," Trump said.
"No child, no teacher should ever be in danger in an American school. No parent should ever have to fear for their sons and daughters when they kiss them good-bye in the morning," he said. "Each person who was stolen from us yesterday had a full life ahead of them, a life filled with wondrous beauty and unlimited potential and promise. Each one had dreams to pursue, love to give and talents to share with the world."
Trump said he was making plans to visit Parkland, "to meet with families and local officials and to continue coordinating the federal response."
And he said he had a special message for America's children, "especially those who feel lost, alone, confused or even scared.
"I want you to know that you are never alone and you never will be. You have people who care about you, who love you and who will do anything at all to protect you. If you need help, turn to a teacher, a family member, a local police officer, or a faith leader," he said. "Answer hate with love, answer cruelty with kindness. We must also work together to create a culture in our country that embraces the dignity of life that creates deep and meaningful human connections and that turns classmates and colleagues into friends and neighbors.
Trump said his administration was working closely with local authorities to "learn everything we can" about the shooting.
"We are committed to working with state and local leaders to help secure our schools and tackle the difficult issue of mental health," he said. "Later this month I will be meeting with the nation’s governors and attorney generals where making our schools and our children safer will be our top priority."
You can watch the president's remarks below. His speech begins at minute 28:
