Metro Atlantans react to Dayton shooting on social media
At least nine people were killed and 27 were injured in a shooting in Dayton, Ohio, according to local officials.
The incident occurred early Sunday at or near Ned Peppers Bar on East Fifth Street in the city's Oregon District, authorities said.
The shooting suspect has been identified as Connor Betts, 24, of Bellbrook, government sources confirmed to WHIO.
As news of the second mass shooting in 24 hours spread, Atlanta organizations and locals took to social media to express remorse.
ANOTHER MASS SHOOTING
— Kelly B. (@B15rad) August 4, 2019
Another American morning waking to the absolute horror wrought by gun violence and hate.
Broken hearted for the victims and families of El Paso and Dayton.
#GunControlNow #gunreformnow
I went to bed weeping and have woken up weeping. #ElPaso #Dayton https://t.co/HrEVsTTBtz
— ATLMichelle (@SayChellesATL) August 4, 2019
Pray for the families in Dayton and El Paso. Father God, You are the great healer. We are appalled by the evil we have witnessed and the hurt it causes. Holy Spirit, surround all in your peace; heal this broken world and our broken hearts as only you can. In Jesus name, Amen. pic.twitter.com/fxPfTkbLp4
— McEachern UMC (@McEachernUMC) August 4, 2019
Others, including The King Center, provided statistics of some of the recent mass killings that have occurred in America.
10 people dead.
— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) August 4, 2019
1 assault rifle.
1 minute or less of shooting.
2nd mass shooting in our nation within 24 hours.
“The hour is late. And the clock of destiny is ticking out. We must act now...” #MLK#Dayton #ElPaso https://t.co/BpxfL0kOHA
#Chicago #ElPaso #Dayton
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) August 4, 2019
33 human beings dead.
85+ human beings wounded.
Draft and pass policy.
Don’t just draft tweets. #GunReformNow @senatemajldr @SenSchumer @SpeakerPelosi @realDonaldTrump
Less than 24 hours. That was all it took for America to witness another mass shooting. Less than 24 hours for our nation to lose 29 lives. Less than 24 hours for two communities to be shattered. My heart goes out to El Paso & Dayton. This must end. We must implement action!
— D I M I T R I (@TheWestsidePapi) August 4, 2019
In the last week, more than 30 people have died in three separate mass shootings in Gilroy, El Paso and Dayton, Ohio. We believe that analyzing and understanding data about who commits such massacres can help prevent more lives being lost https://t.co/x49VvE4T3V
— Algernon Fross (@fxp123) August 4, 2019
» RELATED: For one Atlanta Lyft driver, Dayton shooting hits home
Some said they had connections to Dayton, whether they grew up in the city or had family there.
I am truly disheartened by the violence we as a nation are currently embroiled in.
— lindseyjackson (@RanDamnThawts) August 4, 2019
Dayton, Ohio is my hometown, the place where I spent all of my formative years.
To see evil visit so close to my heart gives me genuine concern for our survival.
My hometown. I can’t believe this is happening. Again. #Dayton https://t.co/SycqTgVECn
— Laarni Rosca Dacanay #AAJA19 (@laarnid1) August 4, 2019
I hope my family is safe is Dayton🙏🏽
— 🍯 (@getualexus) August 4, 2019
Oh my god I just realized why Dayton sounded so familiar.... I used to live there.
— Leslie @ AWA 2019!✨ (@leslietries) August 4, 2019
» RELATED: Georgia Democrats blast GOP inaction on gun laws after El Paso, Dayton shootings
A few used the trending hashtag #ThisIsAmerica to tweet their thoughts about violence in the country.
Went to bed hearing of a mass shooting, woke up to another mass shooting. #ThisIsAmerica When will it be enough??!! #EnoughIsEnough
— Jeremy Palko (@JeremyPalko) August 4, 2019
It’s like a bad movie on repeat. #ThisIsAmerica
— Effat Id-Deen (@TheWarmDemander) August 4, 2019
This is the news to wake up to this morning...... when will things change? #ThisIsAmerica #VoteThemOut #EndGunViolence pic.twitter.com/RUus8VFaMh
— DALLAS 🏹 (@dallas_dante) August 4, 2019
Only in America when commenting on a Mass shooting do we have to specify “which one?” This is horrible #ThisIsAmerica
— Dee Norwood (@DeeWoodz) August 4, 2019
But others didn’t think it was an appropriate time to politicize mass shootings.
Don't politicize a #tragedy, hearts are broken, can we focus on healing? #Compassion for families? No more #celebrityopinions #horrror #elpasoshooter #Dayton.
— Francine Locke (@FrancineLocke) August 4, 2019
The Democrats seem like they can’t get a break.
— Chad Williams-Owen (@RealChadWO) August 4, 2019
Instead of offering prayer and condolences for the victims of both Dallas and Ohio mass shootings, they’d rather politicize the mass shootings.
Someone just lost their mom, their dad, or their grandma. Have some decency.
» RELATED: Politicians respond to two mass shootings within 24 hours in Dayton and El Paso
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.
