Iowa politicians react to weekend mass shootings in Ohio and Texas
Iowa’s Congressional delegation and state politicians reacted on twitter to weekend massacres with condolences. Democrats called for the Senate to resume.
![Carmen Roldan brings some flowers to honor the memory of the victims of the mass shooting occurred in Walmart on Saturday morning in El Paso on Sunday, August 4, 2019. [LOLA GOMEZ / AMERICAN-STATESMAN]](https://dailyiowan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PHOTOWEBELPASOTNS-900x600.jpg)
Carmen Roldan brings some flowers to honor the memory of the victims of the mass shooting occurred in Walmart on Saturday morning in El Paso on Sunday, August 4, 2019. [LOLA GOMEZ / AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
August 5, 2019
After two shootings left 30 people dead this past weekend in Texas and Ohio, Iowa politicians reacted with gratitude for first responders, and Democrats called for the U.S. Senate to reconvene.
Authorities have accused a gunman of killing 21 people and wounding many others in an El Paso, Texas, Walmart on the late morning of Aug. 3. Around 13 hours later, in Dayton Ohio, authorities said at least nine people were killed and many wounded in a shooting in a nightlife district.
Some Iowa politicians used Twitter to call for more stringent requirements for owning a gun including enforcing universal background checks.
Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa, wrote on Twitter on Aug. 4 that it was not “too soon” for measures such as universal background checks or closing the “Charleston Loophole” — a reference to a provision in U.S. law that allows a gun sale to go through if a background check takes longer than three days.
It’s not ‘too soon’ to pass universal background checks or close the Charleston Loophole, which the House took bipartisan action on months ago. It’s long overdue. My statement on the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton this weekend: pic.twitter.com/RkymJqByeY
— Abby Finkenauer (@RepFinkenauer) August 4, 2019
She also wrote that she grew up in a state that supported the right to own a gun as well as “the right to go to church, to a movie theater, to a concert, or to send your kids to school without the fear of not coming back home.”
Iowa’s Democratic delegation in Congress (which are all in the lower chamber) also called for their Senate counterparts to return to Washington from an August recess to vote on gun-control legislation that the Democratic-controlled House approved earlier this year. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., didn’t bring the package to a vote. The legislation included universal background checks.
Once again, my heart breaks following two more mass shootings that have devastated communities in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. My prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of these horrific tragedies who are mourning the loss of loved ones too soon.
— Rep. Cindy Axne (@RepCindyAxne) August 5, 2019
Once again, our nation has faced a weekend filled with the heartbreak of two mass shootings. We must thank the first responders who risked their lives rushing to the scene to save countless others. But we have to do more. The Senate must immediately come back in session to (1/2)
— Dave Loebsack (@daveloebsack) August 4, 2019
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Aug. 4 tweeted a thank-you to law enforcement and first responders in El Paso.
Heartbreaking for those in El Paso to law enforcement/1st responders Strong community will support one another thru this difficult time
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) August 4, 2019
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, tweeted twice referring to the shootings, saying she “continue(s) to grieve with all Iowans & Americans across our country over the horrendous acts of hate we’ve seen the last 24 hours.”
My heart is with the El Paso community this evening, especially with the victims of this violent act, their loved ones, the brave first responders, and all those affected by this senseless tragedy.
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) August 4, 2019
I continue to grieve with all Iowans & Americans across our country over the horrendous acts of hate we’ve seen the last 24 hours. I’m grateful for the work of our law enforcement & first responders. We must stand united in the face of these tragedies & any act of terrorism.
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) August 4, 2019
State politicians also weighed in on Twitter. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds tweeted early on the morning of Aug. 4 that the shootings left her and the rest of the state “heartbroken.”
I am heartbroken by the devastating loss of life in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. Kevin and I pray for the victims, their loved ones and all who were affected by this hateful brutality. As a nation, we must come together and condemn hate everywhere we see it.
— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) August 4, 2019