People around the world mourned the shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which left 21 people dead – 19 children and two adults – in the worst massacre at a children’s institution in the US in nearly ten years.
The attack was carried out by Salvador Ramos, 18, who was bullied as a teenager and bought weapons two days before the crime. He was killed by the police.
The case generated outrage in the US and more calls for firm measures to prevent further massacres. World leaders, sportsmen and celebrities commented on the massacre and access to weapons in the country. See statements below.
Joe Biden, US President
US President Joe Biden again criticized the pro-gun lobby in the country and defended control over access to weapons.
“I’m tired of this. Why are we willing to live with this carnage? Why do we keep letting this happen?” Biden questioned in a seven-minute speech during an emotional speech later on Tuesday night.
“How many children witnessed what happened and watched their friends die as if they were on a battlefield? And parents will never be the same. Losing a child is like having a piece of your soul ripped out,” Biden said. A young daughter of the president died in a car accident in 1973.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis said he was “heartbroken” by the school massacre. He called for tighter gun controls so that these tragedies “never happen again”.
“It is time to say enough to the indiscriminate circulation of arms,” the pope said in the Vatican. “I pray for the dead children and adults and their families.”
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky offered condolences to the victims and said he shared the Americans’ pain.
“Deeply saddened by the news of the murder of innocent children in Texas. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and the people of the USA. The people of Ukraine share the pain of the victims’ relatives and friends and of all Americans,” wrote the politician in a social network.
Emmanuel Macron, President of FranceThe
French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack cowardly. “Nineteen victims were under the age of 10. Children and teachers were murdered in a cowardly attack on a school in Texas. We share the shock and pain of the American people and the anger of those fighting to end violence,” he wrote on his network. Social.
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warrior coach
NBA Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr declined to talk about basketball during a press conference and said he was frustrated by the growing gun violence in the US. He also called for gun control after the massacre.
“When are we going to do something? I’m so tired of coming here and offering condolences to the devastated families. I’m tired of the silence,” said Kerr, who raised his voice at the end of his speech and left the room with reporters without a second thought. say goodbye
LeBron James, American basketball star
LeBron James, a Los Angeles Lakers player also regretted the attack and offered solidarity on social media.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of loved ones lost and injured in Uvalde, Texas. […] They are children and we continue to endanger them at school.”
Gavin Newsom, Democratic Governor of California
California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the Republican Party after the attack.
“Another shooting. And the GOP will do nothing about it. What the hell are we if we can’t keep our children safe. It can be prevented. Our inaction is a choice,” Newsom wrote on social media.
Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
Ken Paxton, a Republican who is Texas attorney general, suggested that one way to prevent such attacks would be to arm teachers. “Agents are usually not able to arrive in time to contain an attack. We have to do more things in schools, have people on site trained to react,” he said in an interview with Newsmax.
