‘My heart is with the people of El Paso’: Walmart, politicians, more respond to shooting on social media
At least 18 people were shot at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, according to local officials. One person is in custody, police said.
» RELATED: El Paso Walmart shooting: Multiple dead, 1 in custody, police say
A University Medical Center of El Paso official said one of 12 people who were rushed to the hospital has died.
As news of the shooting spread, many took to social media to express their remorse, including Walmart.
We're in shock over the tragic events at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, where store 2201 & club 6502 are located. We’re praying for the victims, the community & our associates, as well as the first responders. We’re working closely with law enforcement & will update as appropriate.
— Walmart (@Walmart) August 3, 2019
Several politicians also chimed in, calling the incident “devastating” and an “unspeakable tragedy.”
Terrible shootings in ElPaso, Texas. Reports are very bad, many killed. Working with State and Local authorities, and Law Enforcement. Spoke to Governor to pledge total support of Federal Government. God be with you all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2019
My heart is with the people of El Paso today as they cope with a devastating mass shooting—the scope of which we are still learning.
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) August 3, 2019
This attack is a tragic reminder of our government’s failure to do its most basic duty: to protect American lives. We need gun reform now. https://t.co/z0JTng4kVa
My grandmother used to take me to Cielo Vista Mall. Now it’s one more mass shooting scene. How many more must grieve before we act? #ElPaso
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 3, 2019
Enough. We need to end this national nightmare. Praying for everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy, and for our country to find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage. https://t.co/vqTMSlbR8j
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 3, 2019
The news out of El Paso is devastating. I'm heartbroken for the victims and their families. Far too many communities have suffered through tragedies like this already. We must act now to end our country's gun violence epidemic.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 3, 2019
Others sent their thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
The saddest part about the El Paso Walmart shooting is that 30 years ago it would have been a national tragedy. Now it’s just an everyday thing that’ll be forgotten in a week
— Nick (@ItzPros) August 3, 2019
May God be with the people of El Paso.... There is true unadulterated evil in this world. Sending as much prayers and strength as possible. I wish I had better words. It is such a senseless and horrific tragedy, beyond comprehension.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 3, 2019
My heart weighs heavy with sadness 💔 My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families on this very sad day in El Paso, TX 🙏 God bless you all 🙏 #elpasoshooting pic.twitter.com/5d1deuAj9S
— Zee Juarez (@Oceans915) August 3, 2019
Prayers going up for El Paso and everyone involved 🙏🏾 It saddens me that some thing like this would happen in our city 💔
— Aaron Jones 3️⃣3️⃣ (@Showtyme_33) August 3, 2019
The shooting also sparked a conversation about gun control. The hashtag #GunControlNow quickly became on trending topic on Twitter.
Schools
— Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) July 29, 2019
Movie theaters
Churches
Synagogues
Mosques
Concerts
Nightclubs
Malls
Offices
Libraries
Factories
Airports
Military bases
Restaurants
Nursing homes
Post offices
...
GARLIC FESTIVALS
Where are we safe?#GunControlNow
Enough of “it is not the time to take sides”
— ALT-immigration 1.0 🛂 (@ALT_uscis) August 3, 2019
There is a mass shooting every 3 days.
It is TIME TO TAKE SIDES. #GunControlNow
Once again we must shine a spotlight on gun laws in the United States...
— Gwen🎶 (@gwenythenigh) August 3, 2019
Condolences to everyone affected by the shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso Texas. #ElPasoShooting #GunControlNow
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
