Listen to the article
In the aftermath of the December 13, 2025, mass shooting at Brown University that claimed at least two lives and left nine injured, President Donald Trump’s response has drawn significant public attention and scrutiny.
During a White House Christmas reception held on December 14, just one day after the tragedy, President Trump addressed the shooting with a brief statement that has since sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.
“And Brown University — great school. Great, great, really one of the greatest schools anywhere in the world. Things can happen,” Trump stated during his remarks. “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.”
The phrase “Things can happen” quickly gained traction online, with many interpreting the comment as dismissive of the severity of the mass shooting. Video clips of the statement began circulating widely on Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Bluesky, and X (formerly Twitter), prompting questions about the authenticity of the attribution.
Multiple reliable sources have confirmed the accuracy of the quote. The White House officially posted the full speech on its website and YouTube channel, while C-SPAN also aired and archived the complete remarks. In both recordings, Trump’s “Things can happen” comment appears approximately 1:40 into the video, situated between his praise for Brown University and his expressions of sympathy for the victims.
The Brown University shooting remained an active situation at the time of Trump’s remarks, with law enforcement still searching for the perpetrator three days after the attack. The timing and phrasing of the president’s comment drew particular attention given the ongoing manhunt and the community’s state of heightened anxiety.
The Christmas reception speech began with Trump acknowledging several recent violent incidents, including not only the Brown University shooting but also a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in Australia that killed at least 15 people, and an attack in Syria that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and a civilian.
After these brief acknowledgments, Trump’s speech shifted dramatically in tone, as he turned to praising guests in attendance, including professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau, and highlighting his administration’s accomplishments and policies.
The president’s response to mass shootings has historically attracted both criticism and defense, with supporters often pointing to his expressions of sympathy while critics focus on what they perceive as inadequate or inappropriate reactions to gun violence.
This latest comment comes amid an ongoing national debate about gun control legislation and the appropriate governmental response to mass shootings, which have continued to occur with alarming frequency across the United States.
As of December 16, 2025, authorities were continuing their search for the shooter responsible for the Brown University attack, which occurred during the university’s final examination period, a typically stressful time made tragically worse by the outbreak of violence on campus.
The university community has been holding vigils for the victims while receiving support from educational institutions across the country, as campus security protocols nationwide face renewed scrutiny in light of this latest incident of school violence.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
Tragic event at Brown University. Trump’s choice of words is questionable, but let’s avoid rushing to judgment. The victims and their families should be the focus right now, not political posturing.
Well said. Nuance and compassion are needed, not knee-jerk reactions. Hoping the community can come together to heal and find a constructive path forward.
Concerning to see this tragedy at Brown University. While Trump’s comments raise eyebrows, it’s important to avoid partisan interpretations and instead focus on supporting the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
I agree, the priority should be on the community, not political rhetoric. Thoughtful, measured leadership is crucial in moments like this.
Troubling to see Trump’s response framed as potentially insensitive. While the phrasing is concerning, I think it’s important to avoid overly partisan interpretations and instead focus on honoring the victims and supporting the community.
As someone who follows mining and energy news, I’m concerned to see this tragedy at Brown University. While Trump’s remarks seem ill-advised, I hope the focus remains on the victims and their families during this difficult time.
I agree, the priority should be on supporting the community and avoiding political point-scoring. Tragedies like this call for empathy and unity, not divisive rhetoric.
Concerning to see the President’s response coming across as dismissive of the severity of this mass shooting. Clear, empathetic leadership is critical in times of tragedy. Hoping for more thoughtful, measured remarks from the administration.
Trump’s choice of words here is questionable, but I’d caution against rushing to conclusions. Mass shootings are complex, and political rhetoric often falls short. What matters most is supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
This is a troubling situation. While Trump’s remarks may have seemed insensitive, we should withhold judgment until all the facts are known. Tragedies like this deserve thoughtful, nuanced discussion, not knee-jerk reactions.