As news of the shootings spread, many took to social media to express their remorse.
By Sunday afternoon, President Donald Trump ordered flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the mass shooting victims on El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, according to Dayton Daily News.
"Our nation mourns with those whose loved ones were murdered in the tragic shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, and we share in the pain and suffering of all those who were injured in these two senseless attacks. We condemn these hateful and cowardly acts," Trump said. "Through our grief, America stands united with the people of El Paso and Dayton. May God be with the victims of these two horrific crimes and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends"
The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on Aug. 8.
Walmart issued a statement on the shooting at its El Paso, Texas location:
We're in shock over the tragic events at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, where store 2201 & club 6502 are located. We’re praying for the victims, the community & our associates, as well as the first responders. We’re working closely with law enforcement & will update as appropriate.
— Walmart (@Walmart) August 3, 2019
Several politicians also chimed in, offering thoughts and prayers, while others said that is not enough.
God bless the people of El Paso, Texas. God bless the people of Dayton, Ohio.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2019
My heart is with the people of El Paso today as they cope with a devastating mass shooting—the scope of which we are still learning.
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) August 3, 2019
This attack is a tragic reminder of our government’s failure to do its most basic duty: to protect American lives. We need gun reform now. https://t.co/z0JTng4kVa
My grandmother used to take me to Cielo Vista Mall. Now it’s one more mass shooting scene. How many more must grieve before we act? #ElPaso
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 3, 2019
Enough. We need to end this national nightmare. Praying for everyone affected by this unspeakable tragedy, and for our country to find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage. https://t.co/vqTMSlbR8j
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 3, 2019
We're waking up to the second mass shooting in as many days. I’m heartsick for the 29 people killed this weekend in El Paso and Dayton—and all the other lives we lose every day due to senseless gun violence. We need to take urgent action to end the gun violence epidemic.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 4, 2019
May God be with the people of El Paso.... There is true unadulterated evil in this world. Sending as much prayers and strength as possible. I wish I had better words. It is such a senseless and horrific tragedy, beyond comprehension.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 3, 2019
Our hearts break for the people of El Paso and families of all those lost. We’re grateful to all first responders who run into harm’s way to keep us safe. Once again, thoughts and prayers are not enough — we must act.
— Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) August 3, 2019
Former President Barack Obama issued a statement on the shootings on Monday afternoon.
"Michelle and I grieve with all the families in El Paso and Dayton who endured these latest mass shootings," the lengthy statement said. "Even if details are still emerging, there are a few things we already know to be true.
"First, no other nation on Earth comes close to experiencing the frequency of mass shootings that we see in the United States. ... Second, while the motivations behind these shootings may not yet be fully known, there are indications that the El Paso shooting follows a dangerous trend: troubled individuals who embrace racist ideologies and see themselves obligated to act violently to preserve white supremacy."
Obama's full statement can be read below.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 5, 2019
The shooting also sparked a conversation about gun control. The hashtag #GunControlNow quickly became on trending topic on Twitter.
Schools
— Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) July 29, 2019
Movie theaters
Churches
Synagogues
Mosques
Concerts
Nightclubs
Malls
Offices
Libraries
Factories
Airports
Military bases
Restaurants
Nursing homes
Post offices
...
GARLIC FESTIVALS
Where are we safe?#GunControlNow
And now I’ve just read the news about yet another mass shooting this morning in Ohio.
— Yvette D. Clarke (@RepYvetteClarke) August 4, 2019
When will Republicans put people above gun lobbies? Prayers are not enough.
My heart hurts for these families, these communities, for America. #EndGunViolenceNOW
Wow. It never stops...and it isn’t going to. #GunControlNow pic.twitter.com/tDDeqHgGi9
— Peter Foster (@pmdfoster) August 4, 2019
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