Gun-loving Tennessee congressman Andy Ogles, who represents the Nashville district that includes the school where six people were shot dead on Monday, sparked widespread criticism after he offered “thoughts and prayers” to the victims’ families without addressing the gun problem in America.
“My family and I are devastated by the tragedy that took place at The Covenant School in Nashville this morning,” Ogles said in a statement. “We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost. As a father of three, I am utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. I am closely monitoring the situation and working with local officials.”
Ogles represents Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, which includes The Covenant School. A 28-year-old killed three students ― all aged between 8 and 9 ― and three adults at the private Christian school on Monday, police said. The shooter, who authorities said was wielding a rifle, an assault rifle-style pistol and a handgun, died after being shot by police.
On his campaign website, Ogles said he would “fight tirelessly” to protect Second Amendment rights. It states: “Disarming the people is the most effective way to enslave them, and we must remain vigilant when anyone seeks to erode our civil liberties.”
His response to the massacre attracted swift backlash from Democrats, gun control advocates and other social media users, who highlighted a gun-glorifying Christmas photo he posted on Facebook in 2021. In the image, Ogles and his family, including children, pose with large firearms.
“How much more bloodshed will it take?” Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) tweeted. “It’s. The. Guns.”
Check other responses below.
The tragedy of the latest mass shooting is listening to Tennessee politicians who refuse to call it a shooting but who engaged in behavior that caused this to be more likely when they glorify guns. Tennessee Rep @AndyOgles, is this you with your family? pic.twitter.com/LJGnUKqJdA
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) March 27, 2023
THIS is last year's Christmas card from Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican who represents the district that Covenant School is in in Nashville. #tnleg pic.twitter.com/IpkLzZs5m5
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) March 27, 2023
How much more bloodshed will it take?
It’s. The. Guns. https://t.co/7XxskatLnR
— Veronica Escobar (@vgescobar) March 27, 2023
Wonder if any of the families of the murdered were on his mailing list. It’s just beyond understanding
— Lesle Gallimore (she/her) (@CoachGallimore) March 27, 2023
