Democrats are renewing their calls for gun reform after reports of a mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday.
Multiple people are dead after gunfire erupted at the church, which is not far outside San Antonio, according to reports.
Sens. Bob Casey
Robert (Bob) Patrick CaseyCasey says he isn't thinking about Pennsylvania gubernatorial bid in 2022 Senate Democrats hold talkathon to protest Barrett's Supreme Court nomination Two Loeffler staffers test positive for COVID-19 MORE Jr. (Pa.), Dick Durbin
Dick DurbinThe Hill's 12:30 Report: What to know about the Pfizer vaccine announcement Senate Democrats reelect Schumer as leader by acclamation Senate roadblocks threaten to box in Biden MORE (Ill.) and Kamala Harris
Kamala HarrisCivil rights enforcement can help end environmental racism The secret weapon in Biden's fight against climate change Two firsts: San Diego elects openly gay mayor of color MORE (Calif.) were among the Democrats who urged Congress to act in response to the latest deadly shooting.
"I’m thinking of and praying for all those impacted by the shooting in Texas. In addition to offering my prayers and thoughts I also believe Congress must take action on gun violence," Casey wrote in two separate tweets.
In addition to offering my prayers and thoughts I also believe Congress must take action on gun violence (2/2)
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) November 5, 2017
"The shooter turned his gun on people -- kids -- in a place of worship. America is in the grips of a gun violence crisis. Congress must act," Durbin tweeted.
The shooter turned his gun on people -- kids -- in a place of worship. America is in the grips of a gun violence crisis. Congress must act. https://t.co/CIJX3jM3Tq
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) November 5, 2017
Harris, a possible 2020 presidential contender, also condemned “senseless gun violence” after the shooting.
Senseless gun violence has torn apart another community — this time in a house of worship. When do we say enough is enough? https://t.co/gsW1KN54xc
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 5, 2017
"Enough is enough," Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said in a series of tweets. "Now is the time for commonsense gun violence prevention steps. Congressional complicity must end."
Enough is enough. Now is the time for commonsense gun violence prevention steps. Congressional complicity must end.
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) November 5, 2017
Sens. Dianne Feinstein
Dianne Emiel FeinsteinVoting machine company denies Trump claims about software issues Top Latino group calls for Padilla as Harris's Senate replacement Pressure grows on California governor to name Harris replacement MORE (Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth WarrenBiden could lose Georgia Senate races all by himself Elizabeth Warren slams Justice Alito over 'nakedly partisan' speech Biden's win is not a policy mandate — he should govern accordingly MORE (Mass.) also joined their colleagues in condemning the lack of action.
“When will this end? When will we decide that we can’t accept massacres in our places of worship, schools, or at concerts? When will we actually do something about it?" Feinstein wrote in a statement.
I’m horrified by the news of this latest mass shooting. My thoughts are with all of those in Sutherland Springs. https://t.co/gCTIsAXQX6
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) November 5, 2017
"Thoughts & prayers are not enough, GOP. We must end this violence. We must stop these tragedies. People are dying while you wait," Warren wrote in one tweet.
Thoughts & prayers are not enough, GOP. We must end this violence. We must stop these tragedies. People are dying while you wait.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 5, 2017
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, called on his Congressional colleagues to show "courage" and take a stand against gun violence.
Sickened by yet another mass shooting leaving people dead & injured. Enough! Congress must muster the courage to help prevent gun violence.
— Mike Thompson (@RepThompson) November 5, 2017
Sen. Chris Murphy
Christopher (Chris) Scott MurphySenate majority battle snags Biden Cabinet hopefuls Biden faces key challenges in bringing US back to global stage Biden shrugs off Trump, GOP on election MORE (D-Conn.), meanwhile, released a lengthy statement in which he called on his colleagues in Congress to hold themselves accountable.
"Ask yourself – how can you claim that you respect human life while choosing fealty to weapons-makers over support for measures favored by the vast majority of your constituents," Murphy wrote.
Witnesses said an armed man walked into the First Baptist Church around 11:30 a.m. and opened fire.
Police have not confirmed the official number of fatalities.
The local news station KSAT reported that the gunman was also killed.
The attack comes more than a month after the nation's deadliest mass shooting in modern history, in which a gunman opened fire on a country music festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more.
President Trump, who's embarking on a 12-day trip to Asia, tweeted shortly after reports of the shooting surfaced.
"May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan," Trump wrote.
— Updated 4:50 p.m.
