Texas senator Rafael (Ted) Cruz is facing harsh criticism over his response to the mass shooting at a mall in Allen, TX that left at least 8 killed and 7 wounded on Saturday afternoon.
“Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas,” Cruz tweeted. “We pray also for the broader Collin County community that’s in shock from this tragedy.”
Cruz’s tweet sparked a fierce backlash, with some calling out the Texas senator for only offering prayers without any solutions to the recurring gun violence across the nation.
“You’re worse than useless,” replied George Takei.
“It’s literally your fault,” another user wrote.
In response to the tragedy, President Joe Biden again urged Congress to pass legislation banning assault weapons and enacting universal background checks.
“Too many families have empty chairs at their dinner tables. Republican Members of Congress cannot continue to meet this epidemic with a shrug. Tweeted thoughts and prayers are not enough,” Biden said in a written statement Sunday morning.
“Once again I ask Congress to send me a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Enacting universal background checks. Requiring safe storage. Ending immunity for gun manufacturers. I will sign it immediately. We need nothing less to keep our streets safe,” he added.
Biden ordered flags at the White House and other federal buildings to half-staff to honor the victims through May 11.
The attack in Allen, Texas, is one of at least 199 mass shootings in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Read Cruz’s tweet and some of the reactions below.
Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas. We pray also for the broader Collin County community that’s in shock from this tragedy.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 7, 2023
You’re worse than useless.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 7, 2023
Wait, you’re only sending prayers?
What about thoughts, Ted?!
WHAT ABOUT THOUGHTS?!?!
— Jay Black (@jayblackisfunny) May 7, 2023
How much Ted?
How much money and power can you get that is worth all this blood on your hands?
There’s a special place in hell for you.
— Marla (@marla_vous) May 7, 2023
How do you type with so much blood on your hands, @tedcruz?
— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) May 7, 2023
You just have a boilerplate statement at this point, don't you? Just change the location, but everything else is the same.
Nothing ever changes because of people like you.
— Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) May 7, 2023
Didn't you just copy and paste this from last week?!
— Jason Lopez (@JasonLopez_22) May 7, 2023
Same exact tweet every time some freak does this. And we all know why but nobody does anything.
— Dr. Frensor BfD (@Ben64319554) May 7, 2023
America believes in arms control abroad to keep the country safe but not arms control at home to keep citizens safe.
— Agona Apell (@agona33) May 7, 2023
Oh give it a rest with this faux religiosity already.
— Steven Meyer Addicted to cycling & science. (@StevenMeyer17) May 7, 2023
Too bad your specific vocal prayers are being sent to voicemail. Or better yet being redirected to the folks that own you at NRA
— D2 – Duan Dempsey (@thatsd2) May 7, 2023
— Kathy 🇨🇦🏳️🌈🌊😷🌻🍁 (@scarletkate) May 7, 2023
Prayers are great, but you were elected to provide solutions. We don't have to live with this level of gun violence. Get out of the pockets or the NRA, reach across the aisle & stop this carnage. We can have gun rights & gun control. We always have.
— Lonnie Hammack (@hammackl) May 7, 2023
It’s literally your fault
— Howie Got it Right (@DanM2017) May 7, 2023
GO TO HELL!!
— AMHotFlash☮️🕊 (@AMHotFlash) May 7, 2023
