Texas School Shooting

The tragic shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas caused sadness, frustration, and anger across the United States. A multitude of people has expressed their condolences, including politicians from both sides of the political establishment.

Republicans based in New York State and participating in the upcoming primary elections made sure to send their condolences but did not go further with many of them not mentioning gun reform.  

Long Island congressman and front runner in the Republican primary race for governor, Representative Lee Zeldin sent his condolences in a statement posted on his Twitter account. “Shocked and saddened by the tragedy that unfolded in Uvalde, Texas.

This violence and evil have no place anywhere in our country or world. No parent should ever have to bury their beautiful, precious son or daughter,” the statement said. 

Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Rudy Giuliani who is running for governor, sent out a tweet expressing his condolences. “As a Father, my heart breaks for the parents whose kids were senselessly killed today in Texas. These young Americans barely started living their life; I cannot imagine the pain their families are experiencing right now. Please Pray together with me for them,” his tweet said. 

Rob Astorino, former Westchester County executive and also a candidate for governor, posted a thread on Twitter, expressing his condolences and sharing what he feels might be viable solutions for the problem.

He mentioned gun reform laws, one of his tweets saying: “We need enhanced background checks for gun purchases to include greater access to mental health records. Often, as with the tragedy in Buffalo, there were warning signs and threats that weren’t taken seriously enough.” 

More Insights on Texas School Shooting

Political strategist Bruce Gyory has suggested that most members of the New York GOP have not mentioned gun reform and other controversial issues such as Wade v Roe intentionally to keep a majority of Republicans on their side. “On issues like Roe v. Wade, school shootings, and the Buffalo massacre, independents will gravitate sharply away from the Republican position,” Gyory said. “Now you have the Republicans in a dilemma of having a disconnect between what’s popular in their primary and what they would need to win a general election.” 

The Republicans are a typically pro-gun party and the above-mentioned GOP members have all expressed pro-gun sentiments. “There’s no doubt that the Buffalo shooter and others intending to do harm to innocent civilians should not have access to a firearm, but attempts to prevent that cannot target law-abiding citizens,” said Katie Vincentz, a spokesperson for Lee Zeldin. Andrew Giuliani released a statement that said supporting law enforcement agencies would go a long way in protecting families and their children but did not specifically speak in support of gun reform. 

Governor Kathy Hochul, who is aiming to serve a full term as governor of New York, has clearly expressed a desire to have the gun laws amended in order to make it more difficult for young people to get their hands on specific guns. 

Gun reform will remain an important topic of discussion in American life and politics for the foreseeable future. “Sometimes you can get away with words, but there’s just something about protecting students in schools.

On top of the predisposition, we know of a large majority, somewhere between 60 and 65% of voters who support gun safety measures in New York, that words are not going to be enough,” Gyory said. “And that if you’re perceived as being dismissive of those views, and voters are placing a priority on it. You’re going to have a problem.”