With many in the US agreeing with Donald Trump’s view that ‘Islam hates us’, the Republican US presidential nominee isn’t about to abandon his rhetoric, writes Mohamad Bazzi

The gunman who killed 12 people before being shot dead by police at the Washington Navy Yard had a history of violent outbursts, was at least twice accused of firing guns in anger, and was in the early stages of treatment for serious mental problems.

Conservative senators from both political parties are backing wider background checks for gun buyers, but it remains unclear if President Barack Obama can push significant weapon controls through the US Congress.