Recently, a deadly shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island left two people dead and nine others injured.
The attack occurred on December 13 inside an engineering building during finals week. Students were told to shelter in place as police and emergency teams rushed to the campus. The Ivy League community was left shaken by the violence.
The next day, Trump addressed the tragedy at a White House Christmas reception. “Brown University — great school… really one of the greatest schools anywhere in the world,” he said. He added: “Things can happen. So to the nine injured — get well fast; and to the families of those two that are no longer with us, I pay my deepest regards and respects from the United States of America.”
Trump on the shooting at Brown University: “Things can happen” pic.twitter.com/HOBmgTuD85
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 14, 2025
Many online criticized the words, especially the phrase “things can happen.” Users said it sounded casual and distant, failing to reflect the seriousness of the incident.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office reacted on social media with a brief post: “No words.”
no words. https://t.co/hLeQKzMLAS
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 14, 2025
Others agreed, calling the comment cold and disconnected from the grief of victims and their families.
They are not “things” you pathetic monster. They are human beings. How are you gonna twist it to somehow be Biden’s fault?
— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) December 14, 2025
They are not “things” you pathetic monster. They are human beings. How are you gonna twist it to somehow be Biden’s fault?
— Stella Parton (@StellaParton) December 14, 2025
Beyond inappropriate https://t.co/s9Uwzgrm3h
— Maile (@MaileOnX) December 14, 2025
This is what happens in a society that prioritizes guns over human life.
— Ray Loewe (@rloewe65) December 14, 2025
He can’t even offer condolences without sounding like a complete sociopath. Absolutely zero empathy
— Geo Brimm (@georgebrimmer88) December 14, 2025
Every time Donald Trump opens his mouth, the stupidest shit possible comes out. The man is a sociopath, completely incapable of empathy.
— Bryan (@NotAChaunce) December 14, 2025
The shooting happened during final exams, adding stress and fear for students. Brown University President Christina Paxson said at least one injured person had been released from the hospital, while others remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Authorities initially detained a person of interest, who was later released. Police continue searching for the shooter. Students and staff are still trying to process the shock of the attack.
Trump also mentioned other deadly incidents over the weekend. He highlighted a shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia, which killed 16 people, calling it “purely antisemitic.” He also spoke about an attack in Syria that killed two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter, promising that “big damage” would follow.
Featured image via X screengrab