Trump Talks Gun Laws In Korea, Calls Chicago A 'Total Disaster'

CHICAGO, IL — President Donald Trump brought up gun violence in Chicago during his trip to South Korea. The comments came during a news conference with South Korean President Moon Jae-in Tuesday morning. Trump was asked if he supports stricter gun laws after the church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, over the weekend.

"Look at the city with the strongest gun laws in our nation — Chicago," Trump said. "Chicago is a disaster, a total disaster. If this man did not have a gun or rifle it would have been a much worse situation in the great state of Texas."

Trump has repeatedly said Chicago has the nation's strictest gun laws; however, several organizations that advocate for stronger gun laws rank Chicago below cities such as Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

According to the Chicago Tribune, The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence is advocating for Illinois to require the registration of firearms, limit the purchase of multiple firearms, and allow local jurisdictions to regulate firearms. In its "Smart Gun Laws" report, the center currently ranks Illinois eighth in the nation.

Trump said so-called "extreme vetting" for gun purchases wouldn't have made a difference in the mass shooting in Texas, which left 26 people dead. It marks the deadliest shooting in Texas history. Victims ranged from age from 17 months to 77 years old.

Andrew Harnik/Associated Press