Rep. John Rose Says Democrats’ Blame on Trump and Gun Rights for Violence Is ‘Tired Refrain’

By Charlie McCarthy | Monday, 15 December 2025 09:05 AM EST

Rep. John Rose, R-Tenn., said on Monday that Democrats are simply repeating “a tired refrain” by blaming President Donald Trump and gun rights for violent attacks following Saturday’s mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island that left two people dead and nine wounded.

Rose pushed back after the host played remarks from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., accusing Trump of making violence “more likely” through changes in gun policy and federal grant programs.

Rose rejected the argument, stating that blame should be placed on “radical individuals who are wanting to commit these crimes,” not law-abiding gun owners.

“We already have — and we see some of the strictest gun laws in Rhode Island,” Rose said, arguing that restrictions “clearly” are not the solution and that “taking guns away doesn’t stop violence.”

Rose instead linked public safety to border and immigration policy, saying the U.S. has “welcomed people into the country that aren’t accepting of our values,” and called for reforms that prioritize assimilation and contributions to American civic life.

The host referenced Trump’s effort to restrict entry from countries tied to terrorism, calling it “a good first step,” as Rose argued Western nations must be “welcoming of immigrants” who want to “become part of the culture and civilization” — not “tear it down.”

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said a detained “person of interest” was being released as investigators followed leads and reviewed evidence.

Rose said outrage over the pace of the investigation is understandable but urged patience while law enforcement proceeds “carefully and methodically” so the case holds up in court.

Reports on the Brown shooting indicated that investigators released surveillance imagery of a suspect dressed in black and masked, and later acknowledged the detained person of interest was released because evidence pointed elsewhere, leaving the shooter still at large.

As the investigation continues, Rose said Americans should reject political finger-pointing after tragedies and focus instead on securing communities and holding perpetrators accountable.