Matthew McConaughey urges gun reform after Texas shootings – The Hollywood Reporter
Matthew McConaughey took to Twitter Tuesday night to address the mass shooting that occurred earlier in the day at Robb Elementary School in the actor’s hometown of Uvalde, Texas.
The tragedy left at least 19 children and two adults dead and is considered the deadliest school shooting since the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre.
“Once again, we have tragically demonstrated that we are not responsible for the rights our freedoms confer upon us,” McConaughey wrote, opening a lengthy message. “The real call to action is for every American to look deeper and longer in the mirror, and ask ourselves, ‘What do we really value? How do we fix the problem? What small sacrifices can each of us individually make today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state, and neighborhood tomorrow? ‘ We cannot breathe out again, making excuses and accepting these tragic realities as the status quo.”
Later in the message, the actor urged: “This is an epidemic that we can control, and no matter which side of the aisle we stand, we all know we can do better. We have to do better. Action must be taken so that no parent has to go through what parents in Uvalde and others have before they have.”
Uvalde, Texas, USA. pic.twitter.com/0iULRGtREm
– Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) May 25, 2022
McConaughey has a long history of activism and philanthropy in his hometown, and last year even contemplated running for governor.
After the shooting, many of his fans took to social media to urge the actor strongly to make a statement in support of gun control, return to his hometown and/or reconsider the shooting. ran for governor against Republican incumbent Greg Abbott (However, the deadline to enter the race passed in December).
The actor has previously described himself as supporting the Second Amendment while also advocating conventional gun control legislation. He participated in a March For Our Lives rally in Austin in 2018 where he stated, “We have an epidemic in our country right now and we need to fix it. ” The actor called for a ban on assault-style weapons, mass magazines and advocates for better-managed background checks.
McConaughey has also worked for many years with at-risk high school students through his Just Keep Livin’ Foundation. The after-school program for 14-year-olds has grown to 40 schools and focuses on children’s fitness, mental health, teamwork, and community service.
The actor has previously acted in tragic circumstances, such as visiting Sam Houston High School following the death of a beloved teacher in 2019. “They just got a slap in the face, a a reminder that life is not eternal,” McConaughey said of that. previous tragedy. “It is not constructive to say something that is unfair and should not have happened. As hard as losing someone is, it can really excite people and make us question what’s important in our lives.
McConaughey also regularly hosts benefit events, both annual and impromptu – such as his We’re Texas virtual concert in March 2021, which raised $7.7 million for the cause. victims of the devastating winter storm Uri. The actor has worked for his Rolodex to bring in talents ranging from Post Malone, Kelly Clarkson to Miranda Lambert.
McConaughey opted out of running for office last November despite some polls assuming he would be a formidable candidate. The actor noted that he will instead “continue to work and invest the bonuses that I earn by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations that I believe are leaders, institutions that I believe are paving the way for people to succeed in life, organizations whose mission is to serve and build trust and create prosperity. It’s the American dream.”
