Donald Trump said ‘no child should feel unsafe in an American school’ (Picture: AP)

A number of US politicians have taken to Twitter to express their heartbreak and shock at the news of the Florida high school massacre.

But many of them – including US President Donald Trump – have come under fire for sending thoughts and prayers to the 17 victims who were killed, the dozens others injured in the shooting and their heartbroken families, while receiving millions of dollars in donations from the National Rifle Association.

Many Americans feel lessons on gun control will yet again go unlearned and that nothing will be done despite the Valentine’s Day killing becoming the 18th school shooting in the US in 2018 alone.

During his campaign to become President in 2016, Trump benefited from $21million in NRA donations backing his candidacy.

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People comfort each other after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday (Picture: AP)

A reported $9.6 million went towards pro-Trump adverts and promotional material and another $12 million went on adverts attacking Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Other sources put that figure even higher, closer to $30 million.

In return, Trump has spoken at several NRA events and pledged his loyalty to the group.

After his tweet in reaction to the atrocity, Nae Bull told the president: ‘If you believe in God & his word, then ban the gun. Christianity has no place for guns Donald.’

But the president isn’t alone

A number of senators and representatives in the US government have been slammed for tweeting messages of condolence and prayers to the victims of the Florida shooting while not commenting on gun control and accepting financial support from the NRA.

Republican senator Marco Rubio has received $3,303,355 from the NRA as a politician.

In response to his tweet, Drew Gibson said: ‘If there was only something you could do about it Marco…’

Republican Senator for Iowa, Joni Ernst, asked her followers to join her in prayer.

She has received $3,124,273 from the NRA over the course of her career.

Kim Mathers responded to Ernst’s tweet saying: ‘You accepted $3.1 million from the NRA, a terrorist organisation. Where is your conscience?’

Portman received $64,877 in campaign donations from gun rights groups during the 2015-2016 campaign cycle and is solidly pro-gun.

He’s received $3,061,941 from the NRA over the course of his career.

Stacey responded to Portman’s tweet saying: ‘Your thoughts & prayers do nothing! Enact sensible gun laws! This is appalling and it’s on the heads of every politician who takes money from the NRA.’

Cory Gardner, Republican Colorado State Senator, has received $3,879,064 from the NRA as of October 2017.

Kristi Ann tweeted: ‘Are you heartbroken enough to not take NRA contributions?’

Republican senator Bill Cassidy received $2,861,047 from the NRA but told his followers his heart goes out to victims and their families.

‘Save your prayers,’ Sharin Stone tweeted. ‘If you accept NRA donations, you are complicit.’

But those are only the senators tweeting in the aftermath of the Florida shooting.

In October, the New York Times exposed the top 10 career recipients of NRA funding – through donations or spending to benefit the candidate – alongside statements they made about the Las Vegas massacre.

Students are evacuated by police from Douglas High School after the shooter opened fire on campus (Picture: AP)

‘These representatives have a lot to say about it. All the while, they refuse to do anything to avoid the next massacre,’ the NYT said.

John McCain led the list, having received $7,740,521 from the NRA.

At the time he tweeted: ‘Cindy & I are praying for the victims of the terrible #LasVegasShooting & their families.’

While North carolina senator Richard Burrn said: ‘My heart is with the people of Las Vegas and their first responders today.

‘This morning’s tragic violence has absolutely no place here in America.’

He received $6,986,620 from the NRA.

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