Paul Ryan on Florida shooting: 'This is not the time to jump to some conclusion'

Following a school shooting in Florida that left 17 people dead, House Speaker Paul Ryan said: "This is not the time to jump to some conclusion not knowing the full facts."

The Janesville Republican commented about the tragedy during a Thursday news conference.

Ryan also called for unity during his comments.

"This is one of those moments where we just need to step back and count our blessings," Ryan said. "We need to think less about taking sides and fighting each other politically and just pulling together. This House and the whole country stands with the Parkland community."

Ryan was questioned by reporters at the news conference about issues like gun control and background checks and possible legislation to address gun violence.

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"This is not the time to jump to some conclusion not knowing the full facts," Ryan said when asked whether law enforcement should be able to confiscate weapons from someone who's exhibited signs of mental illness. "We've got a lot more information we need to know."

He added that Congress may need to take action to make sure people with mental illnesses don't "slip through the cracks" and get guns.

"If there are gaps there, then we need to look at those gaps," he said.

During a Thursday radio interview with Tony Katz, Ryan also warned against a "knee-jerk" reaction to the shooting.

“I don’t think that means you then roll that conversation into taking away citizens’ rights — taking away a law-abiding citizens' rights," Ryan said. "Obviously, this conversation typically goes there. Right now, I think we need to take a breath and collect the facts."

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi responded with tweet calling for legislation to expand background checks.

Critics have noted that Ryan received more than $171,000 from the National Rifle Association during the 2016 election cycle, making him a top congressional recipient of gun rights money.