The national media were quick to label it the "deadliest mass shooting" in American history.

American Indians were responded on social media that the media failed to consider Wounded Knee where some 300 men, women and children were killed a few days after Christmas in 1890. Also, not mentioned was the Sand Creek massecre in 1864 where between 70 – 180 Cheyenne and Arapaho were massacred. It is estimated that two-thirds of the slain were women and children.

Many were clear they were not attempting to take away from Sunday's tragedy and the loss to the families of the victims, but thought the media should respect American Indian history — even though not pleasant for the media.