Washington - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called for healing and peace one day after a 19-year-old man was accused of killed at least 17 people at a Florida high school, saying his administration would work to improve school safety and address mental illness.

“We must also work together to create a culture in our country that embraces the dignity of life that creates deep and meaningful human connections,” Trump said at the White House, adding that he planned to visit victims and local authorities in Parkland, Florida, at a later date.

Trump says he’ll visit Parkland, Florida, the site of Wednesday’s shooting that killed 17 people.

Trump said from the White House he’s making plans to meet with families and local officials, and to continue coordinating the federal response.

Trump called on Americans to “answer hate with love, answer cruelty with kindness,” after a troubled 19-year-old former pupil gunned-down students and teachers at the school. He tweeted early Thursday that the suspect appeared to be “mentally disturbed,” but he has not mentioned guns.

Trump said, “To law enforcement, first responders, and teachers who responded so bravely in the face of danger, we thank you for your courage.”

Trump had been planning on spending the weekend in Florida. The White House says the timing of the visit has yet to be finalized.

An orphaned 19-year-old with a troubled past and his own AR-15 rifle was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder Thursday morning following the deadliest school shooting in the U.S. in five years.