Gun-control focus a tough test for President Donald Trump

October 3, 2017

The mass shooting in Las Vegas will refocus attention on the political stalemate over gun control laws, thrusting US President Donald Trump into a fresh test of his leadership.

The toll makes it the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history, according to the Associated Press.

It follows the June 2016 attack at an Orlando night club that left 50 dead, including the shooter.

The Orlando assailant claimed allegiance to Islamic State, though authorities found no evidence he was directly linked to the group

There was no immediate indication that the attack in Las Vegas onSunday night was related to foreign terrorism.

And it’s unlikely to break the impasse that stymied efforts for stricter gun controls after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

But Trump’s allies and adversaries alike will be watching to see how he handles the situation.

As a candidate he drew widespread criticism for his response to the Orlando shooting when he tweeted: “Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism.”