Many celebrities have been calling for increased gun control after the mass shooting that occurred in Buffalo.
Sadly, ten people were killed and two more were injured after an 18-year-old white male opened fire in a grocery store in a primarily Black grocery store. Police believe this to be a targeted attack against the Black community based on a manifesto released by the shooter before he drove approximately 200 miles to Buffalo to carry out the shooting, which he livestreamed on Twitch.
Many celebrities have been posting about the event on social media, mourning for the victims and calling for increased gun control.
Celebrities Take To Twitter To Weigh In On Buffalo Mass Shooting
We don’t need gun control. We just need to avoid churches, malls, supermarkets, mosques, concerts, synagogues, cinemas, parks, pre-schools, middle schools, high schools, college campuses, mass transportation, the outdoors in general… (1/513)
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) May 15, 2022
Comedian Patton Oswalt provided a sarcastic response to the shooting, tweeting, “We don’t need gun control. We just need to avoid churches, malls, supermarkets, mosques, concerts, synagogues, cinemas, parks, pre-schools, middle schools, high schools, college campuses, mass transportation, the outdoors in general… (1/513).”
His thread stopped there, but the point was not lost, especially when a shooting occurred at a church in California and a flea market in Houston the following day.
This country is a disgrace. pic.twitter.com/9CbhDOeRTh
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) May 16, 2022
“Hocus Pocus” actress Bette Middler bluntly tweeted, “This country is a disgrace.” She attached a photograph of a newspaper with the headline: “Grief And Rage Rock Buffalo After Racism Fuels Massacre.”
How long should we wait after a mass-shooting, the usual expressions of “thoughts & prayers” & the inevitable outraged cries for more sensible gun laws, before we go back to posting food-pics?
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) May 15, 2022
“Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill tweeted, “How long should we wait after a mass-shooting, the usual expressions of ‘thoughts & prayers’ & the inevitable outraged cries for more sensible gun laws, before we go back to posting food-pics?”
Maybe all these people offering thoughts and prayers suck at thinking and praying.
— Steve Hofstetter (@SteveHofstetter) May 16, 2022
Comedian Steve Hofstetter echoed Hamill’s comments about thoughts and prayers, tweeting, “Maybe all these people offering thoughts and prayers suck at thinking and praying.”
Celebs Take To Instagram To Offer… Thoughts And Prayers
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“The Big Bang Theory” alum Mayim Bialik joined the many celebrities who commented on the news, saying, “The news out of Buffalo NY of 13 shot – 11 of whom are Black – and 10 dead as of now is heavy on so many hearts this weekend. I’m holding the community of Buffalo in my prayers for soothing what seems like insurmountable pain right now.”
My heart is broken by the horrific attack in Buffalo. Social media companies have not done enough to deal with hate. https://t.co/hwpqJVVEEb
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) May 16, 2022
Singer Selena Gomez tweeted, “My heart is broken by the horrific attack in Buffalo. Social media companies have not done enough to deal with hate.”
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In an Instagram video, Justin wrote, “PRAYING WITH AND FOR BUFFALO.”
“You guys probably heard what happened,” he says as he forms a prayer circle with his crew backstage. “Pretty horrible stuff. But I’m looking forward to tonight. Looking forward to getting on that stage and doing what we do best and having a good time and bringing joy to the city. It’s much needed. And so let’s just do that.”
“God, we just thank you for this night,” he continues. “Thank you so much for just another night to just be present and do what we do best and do what you’ve designed us to do. I pray that we would just have energy and focus and strength. And we just thank for another night in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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In a longer, five-minute video, Justin gives a brief introduction before launching into song.
“RACISM WILL NOT PREVAIL GOD DOES,” Justin wrote in the caption. “WE STAND WITH YOU BUFFALO AND STAND AGAINST THIS RACIST ACT OF TERROR.”
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In another video, Justin walks out on stage saying, “What’s up, Buffalo?” He says that it’s “such an honor to be back here” as he circles the stage in a pink sweatshirt and matching pants. “You know, as we know, there’s been a tragedy in the city. But what we’re going to do tonight is we’re going to honor those people. And I would love it if we could just take a moment of silence. That would mean a lot to me. So we can start right now.”
Justin bows his head and clasps his hands together as the camera pans over the audience. Although it’s mostly silent, one or two whoops can be heard in the packed auditorium. In the caption of his Instagram post, the “Lonely” singer asked, “To the people who couldn’t stay silent to honor the lives that were so tragically lost, I urge you to ask yourself why?”
These are just a few of the many celebrities who have used their voice and their platform to call out the senseless violence that occurred in Buffalo, New York. Sadly, it probably won’t be for the last time.
