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Elected Officials React to Santa Fe High School Shooting

As news broke of another school shooting this morning, elected leaders who have long championed solutions to America’s gun violence epidemic immediately began demanding urgent action to keep our kids safe.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers paid by the gun lobby – including President Trump – once again offered only their thoughts and prayers after another community was left devastated. Tragic shooting after tragic shooting, these legislators fail to acknowledge the horrific scale of our nation’s gun violence crisis. They continue to ignore the voices of Americans from across the country who are demanding action to prevent future tragedies. Instead, they continue to advance the gun lobby’s dangerous agenda and block any attempts to consider bipartisan gun safety legislation.

In the first 20 weeks of 2018, there have already been  22 school shootings where someone was hurt or killed—an average of more than one a week.

 President Donald Trump Accepted $969,138 from the gun lobby.

“We grieve for the terrible loss of life, and send our support and love to everyone affected by this horrible attack in Texas. To the students, families, teachers and personnel at Santa Fe High School – we are with you in this tragic hour, and we will be with you forever…”

 Leader McConnell Accepted $135,450 from the gun lobby.

“The prayers of the entire Senate are with the victims of today’s violence in Santa Fe, their families, and the community that is coming together to support them. We are especially grateful for the first responders and others who work to protect and save lives.”

 Speaker Ryan Accepted $374,464 from the gun lobby.

“Our hearts are filled with grief over this horrific loss of life. We are thinking of all the students, educators, families, and first responders affected by the attack at Santa Fe High School. No community should have to endure this. It is a tragedy. While we need to learn more about what took place here, it is urgent that we implement the reforms Congress recently passed to make schools safer and keep deadly weapons away from those who should not have them. This is a time to come together in support of the Santa Fe community.”

 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) Accepted $146,519 from the gun lobby.

“Once again, our Nation grieves another mass murder. Heidi and I are keeping the students and faculty of Santa Fe High School in our fervent prayers. We are so grateful for the first responders who rushed to the scene to protect the safety of the students, and we give thanks for the armed officer who intercepted the gunman and brought the suspect into custody. I’ve spoken with local and state officials and am right now at the scene meeting with local law enforcement. Any and all federal assets and resources that are needed will be provided, and Texas will come together in the wake of this horror. Texas is renowned for its strength and resilience in the face of adversity, and our communities will always care for the afflicted and bring justice to those who do us harm. Today we work swiftly to accomplish both. God bless Santa Fe and all who are responding and supporting this community in its time of need.”

 Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX-1) Accepted $42,515 from the gun lobby.

“My heart truly goes out to those at Santa Fe High School Texas high school shooting leaves at least 8 dead, suspect in custody”

 Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX-2) Accepted $36,041 from the gun lobby.

“Our hearts are with Santa Fe High School this morning. I am following the situation as more details develop. Thank you to our emergency responders who are answering the call.”

 Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX-3) Accepted $46,450 from the gun lobby.

“Praying for the students, teachers, staff, and families of the Santa Fe High School. So thankful for quick-thinking student who pulled the fire alarm and the response of our law enforcement.”

 Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX-4) Accepted $10,200 from the gun lobby.

“Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of those killed in the Santa Fe High School shooting, as well as everyone involved. We are very thankful for the law enforcement officers who swiftly arrived on the scene.”

 Rep. John Culberson (R-TX-7) Accepted $74,700 from the gun lobby.

“My heart goes out to every student, faculty member, and first responder at Santa Fe High School.”

 Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX-10) Accepted $76,050 from the gun lobby.

“My office and I are aware of the shooting that took place at Santa Fe High School this morning. We have offered to provide any assistance needed to our law enforcement officers and first responders on the scene.”

 Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX-11) Accepted $56,700 from the gun lobby.

“Suzanne and I grieve for the entire Santa Fe community and are saddened by this senseless loss of life. Our prayers and hearts are with Texas.”

 Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX-14) Accepted $17,650 from the gun lobby.

“My office and I are following the situation closely, and offering assistance and support. Praying for Santa Fe.”

 Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) Accepted $9,000 from the gun lobby.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the shooting at Santa Fe High School and the entire Houston region. I am grateful for our law enforcement for their swift response.”

 Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX-21) Accepted $64,350 from the gun lobby.

“We are thinking about all those in Santa Fe, TX after this horrible tragedy. Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement officials for their quick action and ongoing efforts to keep the community safe.”

 Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX-22) Accepted $41,700 from the gun lobby.

“All of Texas stands with  @SantaFeISD  this morning. I’m closely monitoring this situation as it develops. We stand ready to help and thank our emergency responders and law enforcement for their quick action.”

 Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX-23) Accepted $59,950 from the gun lobby.

“My heart breaks for the students, teachers and families in Santa Fe, a tightknit community in my home state. I am grateful for the quick response of our local law enforcement to arrive at the scene and secure the area as we wait to learn more about the situation.”

 Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX-24) Accepted $25,050 from the gun lobby.

“Sad news coming out of Santa Fe this morning, praying for the innocent victims and those working on the scene.”

 Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX-23) Accepted $59,950 from the gun lobby.

“My heart breaks for the students, teachers and families in Santa Fe, a tightknit community in my home state. I am grateful for the quick response of our local law enforcement to arrive at the scene and secure the area as we wait to learn more about the situation.”

 Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) Accepted $40,549 from the gun lobby.

“My heart goes out to the victims of the Santa Fe High School shooting and their families. Our children deserve to live in safe communities and be protected from all tragedies. These horrific shootings need to stop, and they need to stop now.”

 Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX-32) Accepted $164,976 from the gun lobby.

“It is devastating to see the news from Sante Fe, Texas this morning. My deepest sympathies are with the students and entire community.”

 Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX-36) Accepted $17,700 from the gun lobby.

“Our thoughts are with the students, staff, and families of those at Santa Fe High School.”

 Sen. Steve Daines (R-MO) Accepted $77,580 from the gun lobby.

“Mourning the loss of innocent lives this morning in Texas. Thankful for law enforcement who responded.”

 Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC-8) Accepted $26,500 from the gun lobby.

“Renee and I grieve for the Sante Fe community after this morning’s senseless act of violence. We are thinking of and praying for all the students, educators, families, and first responders.”

 Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) Accepted $28,150 from the gun lobby.

“My heart is heavy thinking about the horrendous acts of violence in Santa Fe today. To the students, families, and teachers mourning right now, you have our support.” “Our nation’s children should never have to go through this. Hopeful that the steps we’ve taken in recent months will put a stop to these horrible acts.”

 Sen. Tim Scott Accepted $37,900 from the gun lobby.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Santa Fe, Texas. So very thankful for the work of amazing first responders.”

 Sen. Lindsey Graham Accepted $90,866 from the gun lobby.

“Praying for the students, families and first responders of Santa Fe.”

 Dem Leader Nancy Pelosi  (D-CA-12)Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“This morning, our nation was heartbroken by the horrific murder of innocent children and a teacher at Santa Fe High School. All Americans grieve for those whose lives were stolen by this tragedy, and our prayers are with the families and loved ones of who have been wounded. We are all grateful to the first responders, whose courage and heroism prevented more lives from being lost. Children should never have to fear for their lives in a school classroom. Millions of young people are raising their voices and bravely, eloquently insisting on action to end the gun violence epidemic. Congress must show as much courage as they have, and act now to ensure that no other community or family must endure the unthinkable horror of gun violence. Our children deserve real leadership: a vote to prevent gun violence now.

 Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“More tragic bloodshed & heartbreak caused by cruel gun violence. Congress is complicit.

 Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Congress failed the victims at Sante Fe High School. I am disgusted and angry that we continue to fail our kids. I grieve with the families and friends who have lost loved ones. But thoughts and prayers must be accompanied by real solutions. Otherwise, it’s an empty platitude.”

 Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Our hearts go out to the entire community of Santa Fe, Texas. Enough is enough: this is a horror that students and teachers should never have to face. Congress must act to prevent these senseless acts of gun violence.”

 Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Santa Fe High School deserves better. ALL AMERICA’S CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER. We’ve become a nation where our kids feel afraid to go to school, where parents wonder if their children will come home alive. Thoughts & prayers aren’t enough! We need action and legislation.

 Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA-35) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Praying for the victims at Sante Fe High School. It’s unfathomable that House GOP continues to stand idly by as our children pay the price of our inaction. It’s long past time to put our prayers into action. #Enough”

 Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Today, another American town has been torn apart, more young lives have been senselessly taken, and the NRA’s allies in Congress continue to stand in the way of a solution. We need to listen to America’s children and pass gun safety legislation now.

 Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-07) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“The news of the Santa Fe shooting is tragic & heartbreaking. By keeping our inadequate gun laws on the books and letting the NRA remain in control, we are failing to protect our kids, our constituents and our communities.

 Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE-AL) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“As we gather more details about the school shooting at Santa Fe High School, one thing is clear: We cannot accept this as the world we live in, much less the world we send our kids to school in. Congress must act to prevent more innocent lives from being lost.

 Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Closely monitoring reports out of Texas in the wake of today’s deadly shooting. It’s our duty to do something. When will Congress act? Enough is enough.”

 Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD-09) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“My heart aches for the Santa Fe High School community as we learn about the horrors of another mass shooting. Our neighbors – our children – are dying on our watch. We cannot allow this to continue. We must say Never Again with our actions, not just our words.

 Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“So sad and so angry as I watch the footage from Texas. 1,981 days ago, this was the scene in Sandy Hook. 93 days ago, this was the scene in Parkland. EVERYDAY, this is a headline in so many neighborhoods. INACTION is the greatest enabler of this cycle. We are NOT helpless.”

 Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Reports indicate teachers told Santa Fe High School students the following after it was clear a live shooter was on the scene: “Run! Run fast!”Too many students are far too familiar w/ those words, Speaker Ryan.Thoughts/prayers won’t stop the violence. We need policy/action.”

 Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA-32) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Mourning the innocent lives gunned down at Santa Fe High School today. We have failed in allowing these tragedies to become commonplace. Gun violence is ripping apart our communities. We have the power to change this. We must act to end gun violence.

 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Another shooting that is shaking this nation. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and all affected by the horrific tragedy in Texas. Inaction is inexcusable. We have got to keep our kids safe.

 Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Heartbroken for #SantaFe High School students & families after this morning’s tragic shooting. This sadly feels all too familiar. Congress has failed our children by refusing to address this epidemic. They shouldn’t live in fear of being shot in their classrooms. #EnoughIsEnough

 Rep. David Price (D-NC-4) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Devastating news coming out of Texas where yet another school and community has been subjected to the heartbreak of gun violence. The students at Santa Fe High School don’t need thoughts and prayers, they need action, and they needed it yesterday. #EnoughIsEnough

 Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Sickened by this latest school shooting. Our children deserve safety! My heart is with the students & families & my resolve to take action to prevent gun violence is stronger than ever.

 Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“I am saddened to hear about yet another school shooting. My heart goes out to the families and Santa Fe community. This tragedy shows us, once again, it is time for commonsense gun reform legislation that will keep our communities and children safe. Silence the violence.”

 Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI-01) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Every time there’s another mass shooting, I get more pissed off at Republicans in Congress. They are the reason nothing gets done to stop this.

 Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL-01) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“How much more must our children endure? How much longer will we tolerate these tragic headlines? How can we continue to stand by when we know our children don’t feel safe walking down the street, in classrooms, and places of worship? We must act. Enough is enough.”

 Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA-28) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Horrified by the shooting in Santa Fe that took the lives of 9 students and a teacher. Their families, hundreds of students and teachers who witnessed this tragedy will never be the same. We must act to keep our schools and our children safe. Words of condolence are not enough.

 Rep. John Larson (D-CT-01) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“Another week without a sensible gun safety vote in Congress has passed and another tragedy has occurred. Speaker Ryan put a vote on the floor and let’s see where members stand.”

 Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX-16) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“I’m sorry that there are parents, brothers, and sisters who are grieving, who won’t see their children and siblings at the next family dinner or baseball game. I’m sorry that there are teachers everywhere worrying about whether their classroom will be next instead of solely focusing on teaching those kids. I’m sorry that some of the students at Santa Fe weren’t surprised that this happened because they expected it at some point. I’m sorry that more people have been killed at our schools this year than have been killed while serving in our military. Either we accept this, and continue to be sorry, and prayerful and thoughtful. Or we act. That’s it…

 Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“This is not normal. This has to stop. This must stop. We now have 10 more souls that have died because as a society we are unable to stem the tide of gun violence. My heart aches and I mourn those whom we lost this morning at Santa Fe High School.”

 Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35) Accepted $0 from the gun lobby.

“There will never be enough horrifying shootings to force this NRA-controlled Congress to enact reasonable gun safety measures. The only way to ensure greater protection for our children is to replace this Congress with those committed to act. Enough moments of silence, we need moments of action to prevent other families from suffering the pain being suffered in Santa Fe.

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  Giffords   is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Navy combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, Giffords inspires the courage of people from all walks of life to make America safer.