Virginia politicians respond to the tragedy in Texas
19 children and 2 teachers were killed Tuesday for just going to school.
The rundown
Virginia politicians respond to the tragic murder of 19 children in a Texas elementary school
Senators Kaine and Warner applaud new military base names in Virginia
Attorney General Jason Miyares joined The Tap Line Podcast from VBWA
A former state Senate candidate is making calls ahead of a likely House campaign
Responding to a tragedy
21 people including 19 children were killed by a shooter in Texas Tuesday. They were killed for simply going to school. Democrats and Republicans in Virginia are already responding differently.
Democrats are calling directly for more laws that they believe will reduce these types of tragedies. Republicans are mostly giving thoughts and prayers with one of their congressional candidates pushing back directly against gun control laws.
“I had hoped that when I became president I would not have to do this again,” Presiden Biden said in an address to the nation. “Beautiful innocent second, third and fourth graders.”
“To lose a child is like having a piece of your soul ripped away,” Biden continued. “As a nation, we have to ask when in god’s name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin ordered the flags across Virginia be flown at half staff until May 28. “Suzanne and I are devastated at the incomprehensible and tragic news out of Texas,” Youngkin said Tuesday. “We are praying for the community of Uvalde and the families who lost their children and loved ones to this senseless attack.”
Democrats in the state Senate took a similar tone as Biden. “Our hearts are broken, as they are too much recently, on hearing the news of yet another mass shooting in the United States,” the SenateDemocratic caucus said in a statement. “But thoughts and prayers aren’t enough; action MUST be taken to prevent further deaths from gun violence. In 2020, Senate Democrats passed a bipartisan measure to ban firearms in Virginia’s schools. While it is one step in the right direction, and progress has been made in the Commonwealth since, we endeavor to keep Virginians safe at home, work, school, and everywhere in between.”
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears also commented on the tragedy. “An ill-wind is blowing through our land; a wretched evil that destroys,” She tweeted. “Terry and I are praying for the parents, siblings, family members, and friends of Robb Elementary School who are now experiencing the deepest of pains. It is a season we wish on no one.”
Sears is also set to headline an NRA event in Texas on Friday.
While Sears and Youngkin did not respond directly to the Democratic calls for more gun legislation, VA-10 Republican congressional candidate Hung Cao did. "Gun control has never stopped anyone. Most people get bludgeoned to death and stabbed to death, than they get shot. I mean it’s a tragedy, it’s an absolute tragedy.”
Rumor Mill