The mass shooting in San Bernardino is the 3rd worst mass killing since 1992, just after Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook. This epidemic must end.
But unfortunately, too many of our political leaders are simply lifting up their "thoughts and prayers." Such platitudes may be nice, but what we really need is for politicians to do their job. We had only just begun talking and writing about motives for the last mass shooting when we had to stop and watch today's unfold. There have been 355 mass shootings in 336 days. Thoughts and prayers for victims and families are empty sentiments when you have to say it every day.
Below we've listed the first tweet — the first public comment — many major politicians have made about the shooting. Some are better than others.
The tweets are listed below, first those of presidential candidates, second those of Congress members.
Presidential candidates:
Praying for the victims, their families & the San Bernardino first responders in the wake of this tragic shooting.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 2, 2015 My thoughts and prayers are with the shooting victims and their families in San Bernardino.
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) December 2, 2015 I refuse to accept this as normal. We must take action to stop gun violence now. -H https://t.co/SkKglwQycb
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 2, 2015 Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the first responders in San Bernardino who willingly go into harm’s way to save others
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) December 2, 2015 Thoughts & prayers are with #SanBernardino
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 2, 2015 Praying for those impacted by the shooting in California today.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) December 2, 2015 My thoughts & prayers go out to those impacted by the shooting in San Bernardino, especially the first responders. -John
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) December 2, 2015 Horrifying news out of #SanBernardino. Enough is enough: it's time to stand up to the @NRA and enact meaningful gun safety laws
— Martin O'Malley (@MartinOMalley) December 2, 2015 Praying for the victims and first responders in #SanBernardino for a quick resolution.
— George E. Pataki (@GovernorPataki) December 2, 2015 My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, and brave first responders during this unspeakable tragedy.
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 2, 2015 Mass shootings are becoming an almost-everyday occurrence in this country. This sickening and senseless gun violence must stop.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 2, 2015 California shooting looks very bad. Good luck to law enforcement and God bless. This is when our police are so appreciated!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2015 Other Congress members:
In 30,000 tragic deaths every year — and now #SanBernardino — Congress is effectively complicit for its inaction.
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) December 2, 2015 A mass shooting in San Bernardino. Praying for victims, families and first responders. Cannot say it enough: we must address gun violence.
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) December 2, 2015 We all are thinking about what happened in California today. Please keep the victims & their families in your prayers.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) December 2, 2015 Unfortunately I didn't talk w/ @trish_regan due to breaking news in San Bernardino. My prayers are w/victims & 1st responders there.
— Sean Duffy (@RepSeanDuffy) December 2, 2015
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