Last Updated Feb 16, 2018 7:44 PM EST
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the victims of the Parkland, Florida mass shooting Friday night, immediately after his arrival in Florida. He is also visiting Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
The president, speaking to reporters at Broward Health North Hospital, said he had seen the victims, praising doctors’ swift work.
“The job they’ve done is incredible and I want to congratulate you,” the president said as he shook one doctor’s hand.
The shooting left 17 people dead. Lori Alhadeff, a mother who lost her 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa Alhadeff, in the shooting on Wednesday, directed her anger at the president after the shooting and is now invoking his own young son in calling for more security for schoolchildren.
“President Trump, Barron goes to school. Let’s protect Barron,” she said on CNN Friday, before her daughter’s funeral. “And let’s also protect all these other kids.”
On Thursday, the president addressed the tragedy in brief remarks at the White House.
“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,” the president said at the White House. “We are all joined together as one American family, and your suffering is our burden also. No child, no teacher should ever be in danger in an American school.”
© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
