In the wake of the latest mass shooting—this one another school massacre—elected officials are finding themselves on the receiving end of some tough questions. Some have answers, others have only National Rifle Association (NRA) rhetoric while others have no answers at all.
On Tuesday, 19 children and two teachers were murdered in their classroom at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas by an 18-year-old gunman who legally purchased two AR-15s—favored weapon of mass shooters—and 375 rifle rounds.
Republican Representative Tony Gonzales—represents the people of Uvalde—was asked by NBC News correspondent Garrett Haake why a teenager needs weaponry capable of frightening law enforcement into inaction.
You can see the interaction here:
\u201cWATCH: GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales refuses to answer NBC's @GarrettHaake when asked why 18-year-olds need to be able to buy assault riffles\u201d— The Beat with Ari Melber on MSNBC \ud83d\udcfa (@The Beat with Ari Melber on MSNBC \ud83d\udcfa) 1653603964
Why do average citizens need tactical gear? Are deer shooting back now or is it to play dress up for a FB post?
— Dan Delo (@Delo281) May 26, 2022
But intead of answering a question many of his constituents devastated by this tragedy are asking, Gonzales only offered familiar platitudes and excuses.
Haake asked why an 18-year-old in Texas isn't trusted to buy a beer, but can purchase assault weapons.
Gonzales shrugged and replied:
"We have to be unified."
Haake persisted, asking again:
"Why does an 18-year-old in Texas need to be able to buy an assault rifle?"
Gonzales answered:
"The reality is this isn’t a new topic."
"There’s been a lot of legislation that’s been out there."
Still looking for a real answer, Haake stated:
"You haven’t answered my question though."
"Why does an 18-year-old need an AR-15 in the state of Texas?"
Gonzales then blamed Congress while not providing an answer for his home state's lax gun regulations.
This guy? pic.twitter.com/uRpjdMmgO6
— THEE gater (@Andy_Lofgren) May 27, 2022
There’s no gun grab. Why do people need a license to drive or fish, but not to buy a gun? If you’re worried about a background check and what it may show, you probably shouldn’t be buying a gun in the first place. Having rules to own guns should not offend responsibile gun owners
— David Ohl (@ohlhawkfan) May 27, 2022
Uvalde's GOP Representative said:
"So this is how the legislative process works, Congress determines the laws."
"Right now we have a Congress that won’t talk to one another."
"There’s so much rhetoric and hate."
Also shifting his focus to Congress, Haake asked:
"The House of Representatives votes the week you get back a bill that encourages states like Texas to introduce ‘red flag’ legislation."
"Do you support that?"
But Gonzales seemed unable to answer this question too.
You can see that exchange here:
Ignoring several pertinent facts, Gonzales replied:
"Now, Democrats control the House, Democrats control the Senate, Democrats control the White House, what does that mean?"
"Whatever piece of legislation they want, they can pass it, so the Democrats, if they really want to support gun control, they can pass it today.”
Haake responded:
"I know how Congress works."
He then asked the Texas Republican again if he supported the bill.
Gonzales only doubled down on his nonanswer and blame shifting.
He repeated:
"Well, the Democrats control everything. Why don’t they pass anything?"
"Now it’s a matter of politics, I’m here to support the community. My energy is in the community."
Speaking to MNSBC host José Diaz-Balart after the interview, Haake noted Gonzales' errors or obfuscations in regards to Congress.
The House of Representatives already passed a universal background check bill—heavily supported by voters—but the legislation is stalled in the Senate where it needs 60 votes, not a simple majority, to clear the Republican filibuster.
People appreciated Haake asking Gonzales the hard questions and called on Gonzales to answer the original question.
He has no decency. None of the gun obsessed Republicans have any decency.
— Carol Ann Manning (@carolannmaning) May 26, 2022
Thank you @GarrettHaake for asking this question THREE times. Please teach your fellow journalists to be this persistent. (Even though it appears he never answered your question) Please don’t back down, journalists! Persevere! This is not a both-sides issue. It’s life & death
— I believe in democracy 🇺🇸 (@smschwa) May 26, 2022
I was just saying this to my husband. The shit they’ve said over the past few days has been absolutely asinine. A middle schooler could come up with better spin.
— JPBluenote (@JPBlueNote) May 27, 2022
Kudos! every interview with Republicans needs this kind of follow up. Stop letting them weasel out of it with talking points and “thoughts and prayers”.
— Bot Blocker 🇺🇸🍩🍺🌮🥸 (@JoeMagnus74) May 26, 2022
Ironic he’s saying over and over how we don’t talk to one another and he won’t talk directly to the reporter standing 2 ft away.
— John Biondolillo (@JohnBiondolill1) May 26, 2022
keep asking why this only happens in the USA....the @GOP have no response. @RepTonyGonzales doesnt have an answer either
this whole "we have to be unified" comes from the same party that ATTACKED THE CAPITOL ON JAN 6th
— TX_Vet (@TX_Vet1) May 26, 2022
According to polling data, 67% of United States voters support a ban on commercial sales of so-called assault weapons like the ones used in most mass shootings.
Important contextual data about what Americans actually think about tougher gun laws, as we await the possibility of any congressional action in the wake of Uvalde. https://t.co/VLOZH5MWuC
— Garrett Haake (@GarrettHaake) May 26, 2022
The majority of voters support several comprehensive gun reform measures that are opposed only by gun rights organizations like the NRA.
Former Republican President Donald Trump is set to speak at the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action Leadership Forum today in Houston, about 275 miles from Uvalde. He'll be joined by both of Texas' GOP Senators.
Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott was also scheduled to attend the NRA annual meeting, but canceled to travel to Uvalde instead. But he will still address the NRA gathering via video.