Donald Trump has said a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh had “little to do” with US gun laws.
The US president added that if there had been “protection inside” the place of worship then the results could have been better.
Mr Trump’s comments came after authorities confirmed multiple fatalities in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill area.
The suspect, who exchanged fire with police officer, surrendered and is in custody.
Three police officers were among those wounded and at least four others were killed.
When asked by reporters whether he should revisit gun laws, Mr Trump said: “This has little to do with it. If they had protection inside, the results would have been far better.
“If they had some kind of a protection inside the temple maybe it could have been a much different situation."
Mr Trump told reporters the shooting was a "terrible, terrible thing".
He said: "To see this happen again and again, for so many years, it's just a shame."
Mr Trump also suggested the laws on the death penalty should be stiffened, saying: "When people do this they should get the death penalty."
