‘Unimaginable:’ Politicians, world leaders react to Texas school shooting
Posted May 25, 2022 6:41 am.
Last Updated May 25, 2022 10:07 am.
Reaction poured in from around the world with world leaders and local politicians offering condolences following the deadliest American school shooting in a decade.
An 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two adults as he went from classroom to classroom at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement on Twitter on Tuesday, writing, “My heart breaks for everyone affected by the horrific shooting in Texas today. I’m thinking of the parents, the families, the friends, the classmates, and the coworkers whose lives have been forever changed – Canadians are mourning with you, and are here for you.”
My heart breaks for everyone affected by the horrific shooting in Texas today. I’m thinking of the parents, the families, the friends, the classmates, and the coworkers whose lives have been forever changed – Canadians are mourning with you, and are here for you.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 24, 2022
Trudeau also spoke briefly to reporters on Tuesday night and called the deaths heartbreaking.
“All of Canada grieves with our American friends on this terrible, terrible day,” he said. “The students, the parents, the teachers, the entire community have had their lives changed forever by this unimaginable event.”
Premier Doug Ford and Toronto mayor John Tory also shared condolences with the community in Texas.
I’m horrified by the senseless shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas.
Tonight, all of Ontario grieves for the young children and teacher who lost their lives and with the moms, dads and families whose lives are shattered forever.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) May 24, 2022
Heartbreaking news from Texas today of more gun violence. On behalf of all Toronto residents, we are sending condolences to the people of Uvalde as they mourn the 14 innocent children and a teacher murdered at their elementary school.
— John Tory (@TorontosMayor) May 24, 2022
The head of the Toronto Police Service is also reacting to the tragedy in Texas, Chief James Ramer calling it “an inconceivable loss.”
The murder of 18 children and a teacher in TX is an inconceivable loss. The @TorontoPolice extends our deepest condolences to the parents who lost their children and to the community.We hope for the swift recovery of the injured officers who bravely responded to the tragic scene.
— Retired Chief James Ramer (@jamesramertps) May 25, 2022
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reacted on Twitter saying the people of Ukraine share in the pain of Americans.
Deeply saddened by the news of the murder of innocent children in Texas. Sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the US and @POTUS over this tragedy. The people of Ukraine share the pain of the relatives and friends of the victims and all Americans.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 25, 2022
French president Emmanuel Macron offered strong words calling the attack “cowardly” and expressing support for “those who are fighting to end violence.”
19 victims were under age 10. Children and teachers were murdered in a cowardly attack in their Texas school. We share the shock and grief of the American people, and the rage of those who are fighting to end the violence.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 25, 2022
Reaction to the shooting is also coming from the sports world with one of the NBA’s top coaches delivering emotional remarks.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke about the shooting in a news conference before a playoff game Tuesday night.
Steve Kerr on today's tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas. pic.twitter.com/lsJ8RzPcmC
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 24, 2022
Warriors star Steph Curry retweeted the video of Kerr’s remarks with the words “watch this as much as you watch the game.”
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families of love ones loss & injured at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX! Like when is enough enough man!!! These are kids and we keep putting them in harms way at school. Like seriously "AT SCHOOL" where it's suppose to be the safest!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 24, 2022
Actor Matthew McConaughey was born in Uvalde and penned a letter asking Americans to “re-evaluate and renegotiate our wants from our needs.”
“This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better.”
Uvalde, Texas, USA. pic.twitter.com/0iULRGtREm
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) May 25, 2022
