President Trump promises action from his administration after Texas school shooting

Show Caption Hide Caption Trump to Santa Fe High School: We are with you President Donald Trump extended prayers and support to school shooting victims at Santa Fe High School outside Houston and pledged to do "everything in our power to protect our students."

In the aftermath of a shooting that left multiple people dead at a Texas high school, President Trump said Friday his administration would "do everything in our power" to protect students.

"My administration is determined to do everything in our power to protect our students, secure our schools and do everything we can to keep weapons out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves and to others," Trump said during an event at the White House. "Everyone must work together at every level of government to keep our children safe."

The president also expressed his condolences to the victims at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe Texas. Several news outlets have reported multiple fatalities, and the gunman has been arrested.

"We grieve for the terrible loss of life and send our support to everyone affected by this absolutely horrific attack," he said. "To the students, families, teachers and personnel at Santa Fe High, we are with you at this tragic hour and we will be with you forever."

According to the White House, Trump spoke with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, pledging to work with the governor and to provide federal assistance.

Trump has previously promised his administration would work on school safety before. Following the now infamous high school shooting in Parkland, Fla., the president met with students for an emotional forum in February. There, he promised tougher background checks and mental health screens for gun buyers.

Ted Cruz: There've been 'too damn many' school shootings Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. Ted Cruz called for action, not just prayers, after the deadly shooting at Santa Fe High School, outside Houston.

He has also met with lawmakers to discuss solutions, and called for arming teachers.

And as more people have called for gun control in recent months, the Justice Department has proposed a ban on so-called bump stocks, which allow rifles to mimic machine guns. Bump stocks were used in last year's Las Vegas shooting massacre that left 58 people dead.

Trump's Friday remarks followed a tweet he sent that morning.

"School shooting in Texas. Early reports not looking good. God bless all!" Trump said.

On average, there has been one school shooting a week in the United States in 2018 alone, according to CNN. But Trump doesn't tweet about every incident, and it's unclear why he comments on certain situations.

School shooting in Texas. Early reports not looking good. God bless all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2018

In January, he tweeted about the school shooting at Marshall County High School in Benton, Ky., which left two people dead and several others injured.

Earlier today, I spoke with @GovMattBevin of Kentucky regarding yesterday’s shooting at Marshall County High School. My thoughts and prayers are with Bailey Holt, Preston Cope, their families, and all of the wounded victims who are in recovery. We are with you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2018

And in February, he tweeted about the now infamous Parkland, Fla., shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where a gunman killed 17 people.

Just spoke to Governor Rick Scott. We are working closely with law enforcement on the terrible Florida school shooting. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2018

More: Reports: Multiple deaths after gunman opens fire at Texas high school; suspect in custody