Matthew McConaughey called for “gun responsibility” following the deadly shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 21 people were killed.
In a recent op-ed published by the Austin-American Statesman, McConaughey explained the difference between his idea of “gun responsibility” and “gun control.”
Matthew McConaughey calls for 'gun responsibility,' new laws following Uvalde school shootinghttps://t.co/dEnuc35Ot0
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 6, 2022
“There is a difference between control and responsibility,” he wrote. “The first is a mandate that can infringe on our right; the second is a duty that will preserve it. There is no constitutional barrier to gun responsibility.
The 52-year-old actor also urged lawmakers to require a background check on all gun purchases, increase the buying age to 21, implement “red flag” laws nationally and institute a national waiting period.
“I am not under the illusion that these policies will solve all of our problems, but if responsible solutions can stop some of these tragedies from striking another community without destroying the Second Amendment, they’re worth it,” he added. “This is not a choice between guns or no guns.”
Late last month, a shooter identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers.
“Texans across the state are grieving for the victims of this senseless crime and for the community of Uvalde. Cecilia and I mourn this horrific loss and we urge all Texans to come together to show our unwavering support to all who are suffering,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement.
Following the deadly shooting, President Joe Biden urged lawmakers to pass more gun control laws and stand up against gun lobbyists.
“As a nation, we have to ask when in God’s name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby? When in God’s name will we do what we all know in our gut needs to be done?” he said.
Vice President Kamala Harris also called on leaders to take action while speaking at an Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.
“Enough is enough,” Harris said. “As a nation, we have to have the courage to take action and understand the nexus between what makes for reasonable and sensible public policy to ensure something like this never happens again.”
