<P> BBC News characterized Republican politicians' reactions as focusing on mental health issues while dodging debate on gun control, with the reasoning that it was either "too political or too soon". Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said that this was the time to "step back and count our blessings" instead of "taking sides and fighting each other politically". Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio said that "most" proposals on stricter gun laws "would not have prevented" this shooting nor "any of those in recent history" and that lawmakers should take action with "focus on the violence part" alongside guns . Republican Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin declared that the country should re-evaluate "the things being put in the hands of our young people", specifically "quote - unquote video games" that "have desensitized people to the value of human life". </P> <P> Al Hoffman Jr., a Republican donor in Florida, pledged that he would no longer fund legislative groups or candidates who were not actively working to ban sales of military - style assault weapons to civilians . He said, "For how many years now have we been doing this--having these experiences of terrorism, mass killings--and how many years has it been that nothing's been done?" </P> <P> Sheriff Israel called on lawmakers to amend the Baker Act to allow police to detain and hospitalize people who make disturbing posts--not just clear threats--on social media . "I'm talking about being around bombs, possibly talking about' I want to be a serial killer', talking about taking people's lives", he said . "Just taking a picture with a gun or a knife or a weapon--that in and of itself is clearly not even remotely something that we're concerned about ." </P> <P> Many student survivors criticized the response from politicians and asked them not to offer condolences but to take action to prevent more children from being killed in shootings . These students have demanded stricter gun control measures . Survivor Emma González was noted for her speech that rebuked thoughts and prayers from politicians . She later helped lead a protest movement against gun violence in the United States . Broward County Schools Superintendent Rob Runcie said, "now is the time to have a real conversation about gun control legislation". Lori Alhadeff, whose daughter was killed in the shooting, implored President Trump to do something to improve school safety . </P>

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