Jessica (L) and Kalani Windham leave flowers and a candle outside Walmart, near the scene of a mass shooting which left at least 20 people dead, on August 4, 2019, in El Paso, Texas. A 21-year-old white supremacist man suspect surrendered to police at the scene. At least 26 people were wounded in the shooting. Photo by Mario Tama | Getty Images
In the span of less than 24 hours this weekend, two men hundreds of miles apart used semi-automatic assault rifles equipped with high-capacity magazines to collectively kill 29 people and wound dozens more.
The attacker in El Paso, Texas, published a manifesto explaining his attack was intended to kill Latinos, who he said are “invading” America and destroying the country. The motive of the shooter in Dayton, Ohio, is not yet known, but he made a hit-list of fellow students he wished to kill while in high school. One former classmate said he “always had a problem with women” and many of those on the hit-list were girls who had rejected him sexually.
Here are the social media responses to the shootings from Arizona’s congressional delegation, along with how much money they have received from gun-rights and gun-control groups during their congressional campaigns.
U.S. Senate
Martha McSally (R)
$372,615 lifetime from gun-rights groups
My heart breaks for the victims and their families. Praying for those involved and for our first responders. https://t.co/qBjKaKJpaD
— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) August 3, 2019
Devastated to wake up this morning to the news coming out of Dayton, OH. America has no place for this senseless hatred & violence.
— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) August 4, 2019
Kyrsten Sinema (D)
$1,000 lifetime from gun-control groups
My heart is with the people of El Paso today. Thinking of all the first responders, victims, and families affected by this senseless act of violence.
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) August 3, 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
Andy Biggs (R-Gilbert)
$7,000 lifetime from gun-rights groups
The loss of any innocent life is tragic, and the news from El Paso is heartbreaking to watch. Cindy and I are praying for all of the victims and their family members. https://t.co/b5EB3TXGfE
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) August 3, 2019
Ruben Gallego (D-Phoenix)
$1,165 lifetime from gun-control groups
The House has passed legislation to help combat gun violence. Why are you refusing to allow a vote on the Senate floor? https://t.co/9roPVaIPm2
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) August 3, 2019
The FBI and law enforcement need the same tools to go after domestic terrorism as they use to go after AQ and Isis.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) August 4, 2019
To be clear for the press @realDonaldTrump + NRA + GOP complicity + white nationalism = domestic terrorism
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) August 4, 2019
He targeted Americans. White Nationalism, easy access to weapons of war, and President Trump stoking anti-Latino sentiment caused this slaughter in EL Paso. Trump’s racism is killing this country. https://t.co/djEU0Rkj9p
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) August 4, 2019
The same weapon that insurgents tried to kill me with in Iraq was used to kill Americans today in El Paso. The Ak-47 and it’s variants is the favorite weapons of terrorists abroad. You should not be able buy it here in the USA.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) August 3, 2019
Paul Gosar (R-Prescott)
$33,899 lifetime from gun-rights groups
Not now. Not ever. There is never justification for violence other then self defense. The El Paso shooter should be held 100% accountable under law. It is his decision alone. It’s not society’s fault. It’s not the internet’s fault. Peace and love to the families.
— Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) August 4, 2019
Raúl Grijalva (D-Tucson)
No money from gun-control or gun-rights groups
He was able to murder 9 people in less than a minute, yet Trump and Republicans still remain blind to the gun violence crisis facing our country.
The urgency is now. It’s time to pass #HR8, reinstate the assault weapons ban, and start protecting our communities. #Dayton https://t.co/pDodxP7BkB
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) August 4, 2019
Another horrific mass shooting and more precious lives lost to senseless violence.
Gun violence is tearing our communities apart, and it’s time to pass legislation that keeps our communities safe. My heart is with El Paso this evening. https://t.co/yUgnRoIvDU
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) August 4, 2019
Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Tucson)
$12,911 lifetime from gun-control groups
Parents and families across the nation are demanding change. We need common sense gun reform now! https://t.co/3zIh4UsoX5
— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) August 4, 2019
Families are grieving another shooting in less than 24 hours. Americans are dying and politicians like @senatemajldr have the power to stop some of these senseless tragedies. Our leaders must stop putting the @NRA before Americans. Our system is failing and we must make changes.
— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) August 4, 2019
Debbie Lesko (R-Peoria)
$12,200 lifetime from gun-rights groups
Heartbreaking news out of El Paso, Texas today. Please join me in praying for the victims and for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. Thank you to the brave first responders for their swift action.
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) August 4, 2019
Praying for the victims of today’s senseless shooting, their families and loved ones, and the entire El Paso community. Thank you to all the first responders and law enforcement personnel.
— Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) August 4, 2019
Tom O’Halleran (D-Sedona)
$12,655 lifetime from gun-control groups
Today, my heart is breaking for the victims of the shootings in El Paso and Dayton. I pray for healing for the loved ones of the victims and these communities. Senseless violence of this kind has no place in our country and together we must take action to end it.
— Rep. Tom O’Halleran (@RepOHalleran) August 4, 2019
David Schweikert (R-Fountain Hills)
$44,009 lifetime from gun-rights groups
No response
Greg Stanton (D-Phoenix)
$4,750 lifetime from gun-control groups
Two mass shootings in less than 24 hours…251 mass shootings in 216 days. Too many loved ones lost forever. Our hearts ache and our anger builds. The Senate must act now on the House-passed gun safety bills. For El Paso, for Dayton, for the families of victims. #EnoughIsEnough
— Greg Stanton (@gregstantonaz) August 4, 2019
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