WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump responded to the shooting in Pittsburgh, which left at least eight dead inside a synagogue, by telling reporters that an armed guard could have prevented the tragedy before then announcing he would still hold his planned MAGA rally tonight in Illinois.

As Trump boarded Air Force 1 heading to Indianapolis, he told reporters he was monitoring the events unfolding near the Tree of Life Synagogue and said "something has to be done."

But, Trump rebuffed questions about whether now was the time to examine gun laws.

"This has little to do with it if you take a look," Trump said on gun laws. He continued, explaining armed guard could have prevented the tragedy.

"If they had protection inside the results would have been far better," the president said. "Maybe it could have been a very much different situation."

Police have a man in custody after the attack, which left at least eight dead and multiple people injured, including four police officers. Multiple media, including CNN, CBS and KDKA, identified the shooter as Robert Bowers.

Teams of armed police swarmed the Squirrel Hill neighborhood near downtown Pittsburgh just before 10 a.m. Saturday. Residents were urged to shelter in place as armed law enforcement agents canvassed the neighborhood.

More:What we know about the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh

More:Shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue: Politicians, local leaders react to tragedy

Pittsburgh television station KDKA-TV and NBC reported that eight people have been killed and a number of others injured at Tree of Life synagogue. A male suspect has surrendered to police and three police officers were also reportedly shot, according to KDKA-TV.

Trump said he was monitoring the shooting and said the U.S. needed to "stiffen up" its death penalty laws.

"They should pay the ultimate price," Trump said. "It’s a terrible, terrible thing what’s going on with hate in our country, frankly, and all over the world. And something has to be done."

Speaking at the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo later on Saturday, Trump echoed his earlier statements about the death penalty and continued to condemn antisemitic activity and violence.

"This wicked act of mass murder is pure evil, hard to believe, and frankly, something that is unimaginable," Trump told the crowd. "Our nation and the world are shocked and stunned."

Trump also said he had considered cancelling his planned rally in Southern Illinois Airport because of the shooting but ultimately decided he had an obligation. He later said he plans to visit Pittsburgh.

"We can't let evil change our lives and change our schedule," he said.