Missouri congressional Democrats, Sen. Hawley call for action after Texas massacre; Hartzler offers prayers
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The two Democrats in Missouri's congressional delegation called for more action to address gun violence after a shooter killed 19 elementary students at a Texas school, while a Republican who represents Columbia and other parts of Mid-Missouri and a U.S. senator offered prayers.
U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville, said she and her husband were praying for the victims.
"Today’s horrific and senseless tragedy in Texas is simply pure evil," Hartzler tweeted Tuesday. "These victims were elementary students, a teacher, and a grandmother. Lowell and I — alongside the entire state of Missouri — are praying for all those lost and their loved ones."
Today’s horrific and senseless tragedy in Texas is simply pure evil.
— Rep. Vicky Hartzler (@RepHartzler) May 25, 2022
These victims were elementary students, a teacher, and a grandmother.
Lowell and I — alongside the entire state of Missouri — are praying for all those lost and their loved ones.
Authorities say 21 people were shot to death Tuesday when an 18-year-old gunman started shooting inside a classroom at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The dead included 19 children.
Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley offered similar condolences to Hartzler in a statement sent to ABC 17 News on Wednesday. Hawley also offered policy proscriptions in response to the shooting.
"The loss of life in Uvalde, Texas is heartbreaking," Hawley said. "As parents, Erin and I stand in prayer with those who have suffered the unimaginable, the loss of a child. As a public official, I believe the time has come to increase penalties for violent crimes and crimes committed with firearms. We must also fully fund our police and local law enforcement and give them the resources they need to keep our kids safe."
U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, urged the Senate to end the filibuster in a tweet.
"Today, I spoke at schools across St. Louis about joy and hope, to later see the devastating news of yet another school massacre. Our work is in saving lives, but the Senate’s inaction is failing. No excuses. Abolish the filibuster and pass meaningful gun legislation. Now," Bush wrote.
Today, I spoke at schools across St. Louis about joy and hope, to later see the devastating news of yet another school massacre.
— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) May 25, 2022
Our work is in saving lives, but the Senate’s inaction is failing. No excuses. Abolish the filibuster and pass meaningful gun legislation. Now.
The only other Democrat in Missouri's delegation, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, said he was praying for the nation to get the courage to address gun violence.
"I’m heartbroken. I’m distraught. I’m enraged that we have made the conscious decision as a nation to allow these awful tragedies to continue—and our kids are paying the price," Cleaver wrote.
There are no more words.
— Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) May 25, 2022
I’m heartbroken. I’m distraught. I’m enraged that we have made the conscious decision as a nation to allow these awful tragedies to continue—and our kids are paying the price.
Lord, please forgive us and give us the courage to address gun violence. https://t.co/k1J0YEmRJ9
Statements were not posted to the website or social media accounts of the other members of the state's delegation: Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt; Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth; Rep. Sam Graves, R-Tarkio; Rep. Billy Long, a Republican who represents southwest Missouri; and Rep. Jason Smith, a Republican who represents southeast Missouri.
