Saturday and Sunday morning, a combined total of 29 people died after mass shootings in El Paso, TX, and Dayton, OH, respectively. In an El Paso Walmart, 20 people were killed and over two dozen injured. In Dayton, nine people were killed and 27 injured early Sunday morning at a neighborhood bar in the city’s Oregon District. The two tragedies bring America to a total of 251 mass shootings so far this year, according to Gun Violence Archive (the organization defines a mass shooting as one that kills at least four people).
Many Americans are using social media to express that it’s time to end gun violence — and that it’s time for our leaders to do something. Celebrities including Lili Reinhart, Nick Jonas, and Reese Witherspoon shared their sympathies for the victims of these deadly shootings and their desire for gun control law reform on Twitter.
I am sick to my stomach over what has happened in El Paso today. I can’t believe this is happening in my country and no one is doing anything about it. Who has to die for laws to change?
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) August 3, 2019
Any member of congress who is not actively in the fight for gun safety reform, is not fit to represent us. Period. The inaction is reprehensible. 2 mass shootings in 24 hours? We simply can’t stand by and let this continue to happen. #VoteThemOut
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) August 4, 2019
Heartbroken hearing the news from El Paso. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all the victims and families. So sad. So senseless. We need change.
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) August 4, 2019
Malls, elementary schools, workplaces, food festivals, concerts, movie theaters, places of worship— our lack of responsible #guncontrolnow laws are destroying innocent lives everywhere. My heart is devastated for all the victims & their families.
— Constance Wu (@ConstanceWu) August 4, 2019
There are no words. My heart breaks for the friends and families of the El Paso victims. Praying for all of you. We must do more to stop these senseless acts of gun violence.
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) August 4, 2019
Woke up to the news of #DaytonOH shooting. This senseless loss of life is unbearable. When will our US representatives give the people of this country the common sense gun laws we are all demanding? I’m calling my congressman. Again. @Everytown
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) August 4, 2019
Armie Hammer pointed to another problem: the expensive medical bills that shooting survivors end up having to pay.
Friendly reminder: there has been more than 1 mass shooting per day (251 in total) this year… and of the people who didn’t die and went to the hospital, just remember that 62% of all American bankruptcies are due to medical bills. #GodBlessAmerica
— Armie Hammer (@armiehammer) August 4, 2019
Chelsea Peretti pushed Walmart, who are historically, one of America’s largest and most accessible gun retailers, and the site of the El Paso shooting, to join the fight for gun reform.
YES @Walmart YOU SHOULD CHANGE COURSE https://t.co/LKXRQ9gjGn
— Chelsea Peretti (@chelseaperetti) August 3, 2019
Others, like John Legend and Gigi Hadid, are directly addressing and blaming President Donald Trump. Hadid went on Instagram to post the definition of stochastic terrorism, underlining the words “the use of mass public communication…which incites or inspires acts of terrorism.” In red, she wrote, “@realdonaldtrump.”
John Legend reshared a video about how Trump inspires white supremacy in America. “The President regularly inspires killers,” Legend added. “He is part of the problem.”
When we condemn the racist venom coming from the President’s mouth and point out the bigotry of his policies, it’s not an academic question, it’s not a political game, it’s about life and death. The President regularly inspires killers. He is a part of the problem
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 4, 2019
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Meghan Markle Got A Very Sweet Birthday Wish From Prince Harry
This Is How You…Ex? Lili Reinhart Sent Cole Sprouse A Love Poem For His Birthday
Descendants 3 Stars Share Loving Tributes To Cameron Boyce: “This Movie Belongs To You”
Source: Refinery29 – Lydia Wang