Sheriff crime scene tape is seen outside of Robb Elementary School as State troopers guard the area in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. An 18-year-old gunman killed 14 children and a teacher at an elementary school in Texas on Tuesday, according to the state's governor, in the nation's deadliest school shooting in years. — AFP
LOS ANGELES: A wave of outrage has reemerged online in response to a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, which has left at least 14 students and one teacher dead.
As prominent figures condemn the massacre and offer prayers for the victims and their families, the tragedy has reignited calls for politicians to urgently enact stricter gun control legislation in the United States.
Tuesday’s tragedy at Robb Elementary School marks the deadliest shooting at an elementary school since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012 left 20 first graders and six adults dead.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wrote, “Heidi & I are fervently lifting up in prayer the children and families in the horrific shooting in Uvalde. We are in close contact with local officials, but the precise details are still unfolding. Thank you to heroic law enforcement & first responders for acting so swiftly.”
Responding to his tweet, Ana Navarro-Cardenas wrote, “If you are one of the spineless cowards held hostage by the gun-lobby and have been an obstacle to sensible gun reform, just shut the f*** up, right now.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasised the urgent need for commonsense gun safety, writing “This is preventable. Our inaction is a choice.”
In his press conference ahead of the fourth game of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he would not be discussing basketball during the evening. A visibly angry Kerr said moments of silence were inadequate, calling upon GOP legislators to pass strict gun control laws, saying “We are being held hostage by 50 senators in Washington who refuse to even put it to a vote despite what we, the American people, want... It’s pathetic, I’ve had enough.”
Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James extended his condolences to those directly impacted by the killing, writing “My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families of love ones loss & injured at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX! Like when is enough enough man!!! These are kids and we keep putting them in harms way at school.”
Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson wrote that it is “insane that we just keep living like this. really don’t want to. tired of gun violence.”
Musical artist Finneas emphasised the urgent need for stricter gun control laws in the US, saying that “Anyone saying ‘now isn’t the time to talk about gun control’ doesn’t care that kids got f***ing murdered today.” – Variety.com/Reuters
