Members of Congress took to social media to denounce the shootings over the weekend in El Paso, Texas, which left 21 dead and 26 wounded or injured, and in Dayton, Ohio, which left nine dead and 27 wounded or injured.
The El Paso shooting suspect, 21, was charged Sunday with capital murder and is being held without bond, CNN reported.
The Dayton shooter, 24, was quickly shot to death by police.
Some congressional Democrats immediately called for new gun controls, as some Republicans urged a more cautious approach. Here’s a glimpse of what lawmakers are saying about the deadly incidents that occurred within hours of each other.
No one in this country should fear going shopping or going out on a Saturday night. These monsters acted out of pure hate—we must not allow this evil to ever happen again.
All Americans lift up the families who are mourning, we thank the first responders who acted so quickly. pic.twitter.com/fjugpRw5jg
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 4, 2019
Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We must act.
Mitch McConnell please call the Senate back to work tomorrow and let us vote on gun-safety laws. pic.twitter.com/S7uoyPbK06
— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) August 4, 2019
The horrific attacks in Texas and Ohio are heartbreaking. All Americans should stand together against this violence. We are grateful for our first responders and law enforcement and lift up the victims and their families with our prayers.
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) August 4, 2019
These events are tragedies. Reducing them to talking points and name-calling in support of narrow political agendas only further divides our country.
Jennifer and I pray for the people of El Paso and Dayton. May God help us and heal this great nation.
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) August 4, 2019
There is no place in America for hatred. There is no place in America for racism. We are the UNITED States, the greatest nation ever.
Our thoughts are with the people of Dayton and El Paso. We’re praying for them. Let’s stand united in condemning this evil.
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) August 4, 2019
Two heartbreaking tragedies this weekend in El Paso and Dayton. Our entire nation grieves for the victims of these attacks. My thoughts are with their families, friends and loved ones.
— Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) August 5, 2019
The entire nation is horrified by today’s senseless violence in El Paso. Elaine’s and my prayers go out to the victims of this terrible violence, their families and friends, and the brave first responders who charged into harm’s way.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) August 3, 2019
Sickening to learn this morning of another mass murder in Dayton, Ohio overnight. Two horrifying acts of violence in less than 24 hours. We stand with law enforcement as they continue working to keep Americans safe and bring justice.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) August 4, 2019
Instead of flailing around blaming everything under the sun, if the president is serious about “strong background checks” there’s one thing he can do:
Demand Sen. McConnell put the bipartisan, House-passed universal background checks bill up for a vote.https://t.co/owM8PlkEyX
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 5, 2019
Over the last day, the outpouring of support for the victims, first responders, and local authorities in El Paso has been overwhelming and heartening. In response to this despicable hate meant to divide us, the people of El Paso immediately and powerfully came together.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) August 4, 2019
Some outside Congress, such as Hunter Pollack, whose sister Meadow died in the Feb. 14, 2018, school shooting in Parkland, Florida, decried the immediate calls for new gun controls. That shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School by a former student left 17 dead and 17 others wounded.
After the Parkland school shooting where my sister died, the left pounced on the opportunity to attack republicans and the nra.
They used my sisters death to advance their radical agenda. They are doing the same thing with the El Paso shooting.
It’s pathetic and wrong.
— Hunter Pollack (@PollackHunter) August 4, 2019
Meadow’s father, Andrew Pollack, weighed in on the Dayton shooter.
Authorities have failed the people once again.
Years ago, the Ohio gunman made a hit list of fellow students and was arrested.
He should have been arrested and never been able to purchase a rifle. #FixIt https://t.co/dowUJbynRv
— Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) August 4, 2019
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