‘Thoughts and Prayers Are Not Enough.’ Gun Control Advocates Demand Action After Texas Shooting
Democratic leaders and gun control advocates shut down the immediate and familiar outpouring of “thoughts and prayers” for the victims of the South Texas church shooting on Sunday, calling for stronger gun laws.
“How many kids must die of gun violence on playgrounds & streets every day with no attention at all before we wake up to what’s happening?” Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren said on Twitter. “Thoughts & prayers are not enough, GOP. We must end this violence. We must stop these tragedies. People are dying while you wait.”
At least 26 people were killed inside the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, where a gunman opened fire on Sunday. This has become the deadliest year for mass shootings in modern U.S. history.
How many kids must die of gun violence on playgrounds & streets every day with no attention at all before we wake up to what’s happening?
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 5, 2017
Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, an advocacy group founded in response to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, called on lawmakers to take action.
“If thoughts and prayers alone prevented gun violence, we wouldn’t be shot in places of worship. God calls on us to ACT,” she said on Twitter.
If thoughts and prayers alone prevented gun violence, we wouldn’t be shot in places of worship. God calls on us to ACT. #SutherlandSprings
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) November 5, 2017
Several people reacted to Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan’s call for prayers. “Reports out of Texas are devastating. The people of Sutherland Springs need our prayers right now,” Ryan said on Sunday.
Reports out of Texas are devastating. The people of Sutherland Springs need our prayers right now.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) November 5, 2017
“Let’s also pray that you find the courage to do your job,” Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton responded.
Let’s also pray that you find the courage to do your job.
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) November 6, 2017
Here’s how others reacted:
Horror, heartbreak, shame. Prayers are important but insufficient. After another unspeakable tragedy, Congress must act – or be complicit.
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) November 5, 2017
We must do more than mourn and pray for those murdered in Texas. We must act.
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) November 6, 2017
Heartbroken for the victims in Texas and their families. We are not powerless to reduce gun violence in our nation. Congress must act.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) November 6, 2017
They were praying when it happened. They don’t need our prayers. They need us to address gun violence crisis & pass sensible regulation. . https://t.co/4VetVeYBzB
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 6, 2017
Senseless gun violence has torn apart another community — this time in a house of worship. When do we say enough is enough? https://t.co/gsW1KN54xc
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 5, 2017
prayers and thoughts don’t seem to be working. We NEED reasonable gun laws. Do your job
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 5, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are that people wake the fuck up.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) November 5, 2017
About the epidemic of mass shootings? Watch politicians tweet condolences, thoughts and prayers and then go to cocktails with gun lobbyists.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) November 6, 2017
Enough with the “thoughts and prayers already.” The Bible teaches us that faith without works is dead. Do something or say nothing. https://t.co/ekYTtpQhDk
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) November 5, 2017
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