Presidential candidates condemn gun violence after El Paso shooting: 'Truly heartbreaking'
After reports that multiple people died and 22 were injured at a Walmart near the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas, presidential candidates stepped forward to condemn gun violence on Twitter.
On Saturday morning, the El Paso Police Department tweeted alerts of an “active shooter” in the area, warning the pubic to stay away. Multiple people were reportedly injured, including a 4-month-old baby, according to CBS News.
Mayor Dee Margo initially told CNN that three suspects were arrested for the shooting, however Sgt. Robert Gomez of the El Paso Police Department confirmed to the outlet that only one suspect was in custody.
Walmart issued a statement on Twitter: “We're in shock over the tragic events...We’re working closely with law enforcement & will update as appropriate.” And President Trump called the shootings “terrible” and “God be with you all!”
Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019
At the time, 19 presidential candidates were attending the AFSCME forum in Las Vegas, co-moderated by The Nevada Independent and HuffPost.
Beto O’Rourke, who hails from El Paso, said on stage, “I’m incredibly saddened and it is very hard to think about this. But, I’ll tell you, El Paso is the strongest place in the world. This community’s going to come together. I’m going back there right now to be with my family and to be with my hometown.
According to HuffPost, when O’Rourke was asked about gun control, he said, “Keep that sh*t on the battlefield. Do not bring it into our communities.”
The former congressman also tweeted, “Truly heartbreaking. Stay safe, El Paso.”
Truly heartbreaking. Stay safe, El Paso. Please follow all directions of emergency personnel as we continue to get more updates. https://t.co/BU0AH6Y8Rv
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 3, 2019
Cory Booker of New Jersey also shared, “Enough. We need to end this national nightmare. Praying for everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy, and for our country to find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage.”
And others called the tragedy “horrific” and a “national nightmare.”
Enough. We need to end this national nightmare. Praying for everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy, and for our country to find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage. https://t.co/vqTMSlbR8j
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 3, 2019
”
Everyone in America, myself included, is devastated by the news of this latest attack in El Paso. Sadly, after each of these tragedies the Senate does nothing. That has got to change.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 3, 2019
Horrific. Innocent civilians gunned down by assault weapons in El Paso.
Gun violence is an epidemic in our country—one that doesn’t discriminate. And it’s one that won’t end until we beat back the gun lobby and win stronger, smarter gun laws.
We’re praying for El Paso tonight.— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) August 3, 2019
The news out of El Paso is devastating. I'm heartbroken for the victims and their families. Far too many communities have suffered through tragedies like this already. We must act now to end our country's gun violence epidemic.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 3, 2019
Prayers for the people of El Paso in this agonizing moment. And prayers for all the rest of us as well, that we might summon up the courage to remove this scourge from our midst. Let us pray and let us act.
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) August 3, 2019
Today innocent people—families—went to that mall in El Paso. Some of them never came home. The U.S. House has passed common sense gun safety legislation. It is long past time to pass it in the Senate. The question to ask: Whose side are you on? The NRA’s or the people’s.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) August 3, 2019
My grandmother used to take me to Cielo Vista Mall. Now it’s one more mass shooting scene. How many more must grieve before we act? #ElPaso
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 3, 2019
Truly devastating. Folks in El Paso should follow guidance from local emergency personnel and monitor updates from the @EPPOLICE. Stay safe. https://t.co/e1FDV7Od90
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) August 3, 2019
I’m devastated for El Paso and the families whose lives were forever changed today.
But it’s not enough for our hearts to go out to them — our laws fail them and their families. No more. We need action, and we need it now.— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) August 3, 2019
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Multiple Fatalities Reported In Shooting At An El Paso, TX Walmart
Saoirse Kennedy Hill allegedly didn't party, was getting help for depression before her death
Teacher allegedly pulled out gun after getting cut off in McDonald's drive-thru: 'I felt threatened'
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