SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Republican lawmakers in Washington have condemned the mass shooting in Texas but they’re defending gun rights.
US Representative Rodney Davis issued a statement calling Tuesday’s shooting “pure evil,” but says taking guns away from law-abiding citizens won’t stop the violence.
He proposes strengthening school security, investing in resource officers, and gun safety education.
Congresswoman Mary Miller released a statement echoing those points and emphasizing her support for gun ownership.
Davis is currently in the 13th congressional district and Miller in the 15th congressional district. Davis and Miller are battling each other in the June primary to represent the newly redrawn 15th congressional district.
Congressman Darin LaHood tweeted the shooting was a “sickening tragedy” while Congressman Adam Kinzinger tweeted “We have to do something” but he did not elaborate.
None of the lawmakers could be reached for further comment.
After the shooting in Vegas, I came out for raising the age of gun purchase, banning high capacity mags and bump stocks, universal background checks, and red flag laws. As a result the NRA turned on me.
Best decision I made. They don’t want sanity, they want to raise $$
— Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@AdamKinzinger) May 25, 2022
This is pure evil and heartbreaking – 14 children and 1 teacher were murdered in an act of senseless violence. Please pray for the victims, their families, and the Uvalde, Texas community. https://t.co/xHxn82zjLa
— Hon. Rodney Davis (@RodneyDavis) May 24, 2022
Chris and I are grieving for the families in Uvalde as they face this unimaginable loss, and we are praying for the Lord to comfort and guide the entire Uvalde community through this dark time. pic.twitter.com/rluTtyjcz8
— Rep. Mary Miller (@RepMaryMiller) May 25, 2022
My prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by the evil act of violence in Uvalde, Texas. Our country mourns for the entire Uvalde community tonight and we are grateful to the law enforcement who responded to this sickening tragedy.
— Darin LaHood (@RepLaHood) May 25, 2022