NRA-Backed Republicans Criticized for Offering Prayers After Texas Church Shooting
After the horrific mass shooting in a local church in Sutherland Springs, Texas that took at least 27 lives, people have been sending their thoughts, prayers, and sympathies to the victims. A group of Republicans, however, are facing criticisms for allegedly doing just that and nothing more.
According to an International Business Times report, Republicans who are supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA) are being lambasted in social media for sending their "thoughts and prayers" instead of drafting gun control measures that will curb mass shooting in the country.
One of the Republicans who expressed their sympathies online was Texas Governor Gregg Abbott. Abbott tweeted, "Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response." Others included Senators Bill Cassidy and Rob Portman who both earned an "A" rating from the NRA, the report added.
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Other Republicans who are being blasted on social media include House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.
Meanwhile, Newsweek reported that President Donald Trump is constantly monitoring the situation despite being thousands of miles away. The president just kicked-off his 11-day tour in Asia and is currently in Japan. "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan," posted the president on Twitter.
The mass shooting at the First Baptist Church occurred at around noon on Sunday. It is said to be the largest mass shooting in the history of Texas, to date, according to a statement from Governor Abbot. The 26-year-old shooter, who was identified by unnamed law enforcement sources as Devin Patrick Kelley, was first spotted at a gas station across the church at around 11:20 a.m.
He then drove to the church, alighted from his vehicle, and started shooting at will, all the way inside the building. He then drove off and was later found dead inside his car after crashing his vehicle after a chase from the police, The Guardian reported.
