Heinous: Outpouring of grief, rage over Texas school shooting
An 18-year-old gunman has shot dead at least 19 children and two adults at a Texas primary school.
The mass shooting on Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde – a small, predominantly Latino town – is the latest in string of mass shootings, although it is the deadliest school shooting in nearly a decade.
The shooting has spurred an outpouring of grief and rage, with many leading politicians pleading for gun control legislation to be enacted. Here are the latest reactions:
US President Joe Biden
Returning from his five-day trip to Asia, Biden pleaded for action to address gun violence after years of failure, and blamed firearm manufacturers and their supporters for blocking legislation in Washington, DC.
“It’s time to turn this pain into action for every parent, for every citizen of this country,” Biden said, his voice heavy with emotion. “It’s time for those who obstruct or delay or block common-sense gun laws – we need to let you know that we will not forget.”
The White House ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in mourning for the victims.
“As a nation we have to ask, when in God’s name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?” Biden said. “When in God’s name are we going to do what has to be done? Why are we willing to live with this carnage?”
Pope Francis
Pope Francis said he was “heartbroken” over the school shooting.
“I am left heartbroken by the massacre in the elementary school in Texas. I pray for the children, for the adults killed and for their families,” the Argentine pontiff said after his weekly general audience.
“It is time to say enough to indiscriminate arms trafficking. Let us all commit to ensuring such tragedies can no longer take place.” Read More...
