Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, & More Speak Out On Texas School Shooting
By Rebekah Gonzalez
May 25, 2022
A gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday, May 24, leaving a total of 19 children and two adults dead. The shooter was identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos and was killed by police at the scene. The tragic incident is the deadliest shooting at a U.S. elementary school since 2012's Sandy Hook Elementary shooting In Newton, Connecticut, which ended the lives of 20 children and six adults. This is also the 27th school shooting with injuries and the 212th mass shooting this year. As the nation mourns the lives of innocent people, celebrities are taking to social media to express their outrage over the lack of gun control in the country. President Biden has ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through May 28.
Celebrities from Texas like Matthew McConaughey and Selena Gomez have spoken out. Gomez linked off to Everytown, an organization working to end gun violence in America. "Those in power need to stop giving lip service and actually change the laws to prevent these shootings in the future," Gomez wrote. Artists from all over the country have also condemned the deadly attack including Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Olivia Rodrigo, Lauren Jauregui, the Chainsmokers, and more. See their reactions to the horrific event below.
Today in my home state of Texas 18 innocent students were killed while simply trying to get an education. A teacher killed doing her job; an invaluable yet sadly under appreciated job. If children aren’t safe at school where are they safe?
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) May 25, 2022
Olivia Rodrigo says she’s “devastated” about the massacre of 18 children at a Texas school today.
— Tomás Mier (@Tomas_Mier) May 25, 2022
“I’m so heartbroken that this is the reality that we’re living in. And we need stronger gun control in America.” pic.twitter.com/lKnTGZdB8k
Olivia Rodrigo took a moment during her show at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles to address the tragic incident. Calling for stricter gun control laws, the singer told the crowd, "I’m so heartbroken that this is the reality that we’re living in. And we need stronger gun control in America.” Britney Spears echoed the need for change. The pop star shared a statement on her Instagram that read, "My heart is shattered. I'm lost for words... Our sympathies and condolences are just not enough. We have to take action we need change. Enough is enough."
Taylor Swift also spoke out and shared a video of the Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr addressing the shooting. "Filled with rage and grief, and so broken by the murders in Uvalde. By Buffalo, Laguna Woods and so many others," she wrote. "By the ways in which we, as a nation, have become conditioned to unfathomable and unbearable heartbreak. Steve’s words ring so true and cut so deep."
Filled with rage and grief, and so broken by the murders in Uvalde. By Buffalo, Laguna Woods and so many others. By the ways in which we, as a nation, have become conditioned to unfathomable and unbearable heartbreak. Steve’s words ring so true and cut so deep. https://t.co/Rb5uwSTxty
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) May 25, 2022
More artists like the Chainsmokers offered their condolences to the Texas community and also called for stricter gun control laws, adding, "Something has to change in this country. We are the only country where kids go to school and could wind up shot." Some were so shocked by the tragedy, they were at a loss for words and kept their messages short. Singer Lauren Jauregui simply wrote, "14 babies bro. 14," shortly after the news broke out, and Lauv alluded to the shooting with, "jesus f---ing christ. no more."
14 babies bro. 14.
— PRELUDE (@LaurenJauregui) May 24, 2022
Our hearts go out to those in texas at the Robb elementary school and everyone effected. Something has to change in this country. We are the only country where kids go to school and could wind up shot.
— THE CHAINSMOKERS (@TheChainsmokers) May 24, 2022
it makes me sick this is the 27th one this year. my heart goes out to the families affected in TX. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
— blackbear (@iamblackbear) May 24, 2022
jesus fucking christ. no more.
— Lauv (@lauvsongs) May 24, 2022