Harold Hutchison
Members of Congress reacted to Tuesday’s mass shooting at an Uvalde, Texas, elementary school that killed two teachers and 19 students.
“My heart breaks for the city of Uvalde. Pray for our families,” Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who represents Uvalde, said. Gonzales also called for mental health professionals to contact his office to aid the residents of Uvalde.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would seek to force a vote on background-check legislation, The New York Times reported.
The Hill reported that he then told the Senate not to expect action anytime soon, saying the bills would not have enough Republican support to pass the Senate.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement calling for the passage of gun-control laws.
“For too long, some in Congress have offered hollow words after these shootings while opposing all efforts to save lives,” she said, “It is time for all in Congress to heed the will of the American people and join in enacting the House-passed bipartisan, commonsense, life-saving legislation into law.”
Texas authorities identified the shooter as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, who a Customs and Border Protection agent killed. After crashing his vehicle during a police chase, Ramos reportedly entered the school and had legally purchased two rifles, Click2Houston.com reported.
Republicans also reacted to the shooting, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“Horrified and heartbroken by reports of the disgusting violence directed at innocent schoolkids in Uvalde, Texas,” he said. “The entire country is praying for the children, families, teachers, and staff and the first responders on the scene.”
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called Tuesday “a dark day” in a statement.
“Heidi and I are lifting up in prayer the entire Uvalde community during this devastating time and we mourn the lives that were taken by this act of evil,” Cruz said.
Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona attacked Cruz on Twitter.
“F**k you @tedcruz you care about a fetus but you will let our children get slaughtered,” Gallego posted on Twitter. “Just get your ass to Cancun. You are useless.”
“Just to be clear fuck you @tedcruz you f**king baby killer,” Gallego said in a second post.
Gallego also lambasted Republican Rep. Darrell Issa of California on the social media site.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with these families,” Issa said in a statement.
“F**k your prayers,” Gallego responded. “They haven’t worked for the last 20 mass shootings how about passing laws that will stop these killings.”
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