Warnock says gun lobby 'lines its pockets with the blood of our children' after Georgia school shooting
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) on Sunday took aim at some politicians whom he described as "beholden to the gun lobby" while lamenting his frustrations about gun violence in the wake of last week's school shooting at a Georgia high school.
"The reality is that in America, it's not safe to be in our schools. It's not safe to be in our shopping malls. It's not safe to be in the spa. It's not safe to be in a medical clinic. We're all sitting ducks," Warnock said on NBC News's "Meet the Press."
And any country that allows this to continue without putting forward just common-sense gun safety measures is a country that has, in a tragic way, lost its way. Politicians need to realign their values.”
Warnock said there is "no one single law" to prevent school shootings when asked by NBC News anchor Kristen Welker.
"In a sense, I think we have to broaden the scope of the question because, after all, we have two mass shootings a day in our country, based on the data just last year," he said. "And this does not happen everywhere in the world. The problem is that we have politicians in our country who are beholden to the gun lobby. And either based on ambition or fear, they go to work every day doing their bidding while the gun lobby lines its pockets with the blood of our children."
The gun lobby is a term usually referring to state and federal efforts to influence gun policies, often in the form of supporting candidates who are against gun control measures.
The remarks come days after a gunman opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga. last week, killing two students and two teachers.
The suspect, 14-year-old Colt Gray, was charged with four counts of felony murder.
“Listen, 14-year-olds don’t need AR-15s, and we need to get these military-style weapons off the streets,” Warnock said.
Warnock called for action in Congress, stating the few gun safety policies that have passed were "not enough" to prevent last week's shooting in his home state.
"The best – the least we can do is move forward on the bipartisan spaces where ordinary people agree," he said. "Clearly, there's a disconnect between what the people, the American people want and what they're able to get out of their government."
He pointed to a Fox News poll taken in April 2023, which found 87 percent of voters are in favor of requiring criminal background checks for all gun buyers.
Date: |
-
ABC News - Health
Georgia official seeks more school safety money after Apalachee High shooting
Georgia’s state school superintendent says he wants the state to spend more money to guarantee security officers and wearable panic alert buttons after a school shooting killed four at Apalachee ...2 hours ago -
The Wall Street Journal - World
Trump Safe After Another Apparent Assassination Attempt
The gunman took off in a vehicle and is now in custody.19 hours ago - Donald Trump -
The New York Times - Top stories
Trump Safe After Shooting Reported at His Golf Course in Florida
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said there had been a shooting “on the grounds” of Mr. Trump’s course there while the former president was at the club.Yesterday - Donald Trump -
ABC News - Sports
Shooting at popular tailgating spot leaves 2 dead after Detroit Lions game
A second person has died after a shooting at a popular tailgating site following a Detroit Lions game3 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Trump shooting attempt: suspect had ‘delusional ideas’ about supporting war effort, says Ukrainian official – live
A representative from Ukraine’s foreign legion says that Ryan Wesley Routh’s offers of a large number of recruits were ‘not realistic’. Armed suspect arrested in Florida after ‘attempted ...15 hours ago - Donald Trump -
NBC News - Top stories
'Coward!': Anger erupts as families face officers in Uvalde school shooting for first time
Families attended a court hearing for Pete Arredondo and Adrian Gonzales, charged for failing to confront a gunman who killed 19 children and 2 teachers.2 hours ago -
ABC News - World
Israel-Hamas war latest: Israeli airstrikes kill 16 in Gaza, including 4 children, Palestinians say
Palestinian officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed 16 people in the Gaza Strip, including five women and four children6 hours ago - Israel -
CNBC - Business
Ohio GOP Gov. DeWine says 'at least 33' bomb threats prompt Springfield to begin daily school sweeps
Bomb threats that were later proven to be false have forced the evacuation and closure of schools and government buildings in Springfield, including City Hall.2 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
DeSantis says FL will conduct its own investigation of assassination attempt
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said the state will conduct its own investigation into the apparent assassination attempt against former President Trump at his golf club Sunday in West Palm Beach. ...22 hours ago
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
McCabe calls for 'rethinking' of methods used to protect Trump
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe on Monday called for a “rethinking” of the methods used to protect former President Trump, in light of a second apparent assassination attempt this weekend. ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Democrats pick another fight on IVF
Presented by Plan B One Step — Senate Democrats are trying to put Republicans in a bind as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) plans to hold a second vote on a bill to establish a ...2 hours ago -
The Hill - Politics
Biden and Trump speak after potential assassination attempt
President Biden and former President Trump spoke over the phone Monday after an apparent assassination attempt against the Republican nominee at his Florida golf course. “We had a very nice call. ...2 hours ago - Joe Biden -
The Hill - Politics
Secret Service director credits agency for 'effective' response to Trump assassination attempt
Former President Trump has the highest levels of security, acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe told reporters Monday, crediting the agency with thwarting an alleged would-be assassin from ...2 hours ago - Donald Trump -
The Hill - Politics
Rep. Joe Wilson returning to work after medical scare
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) has received a pacemaker and will return to work in Washington, D.C., following a medical emergency last week. Wilson recorded a video released Monday saying that his ...2 hours ago