Both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have responded to the mass shooting Wednesday at a San Bernardino, California center that serves people with developmental disabilities.
Just as they have done in response to many of the previous mass shootings this year, the Democrats called for increased gun control while the Republicans said their “thoughts and prayers” are with the victims and their families.
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley was the first to respond, followed shortly after by Hillary Clinton.
Horrifying news out of #SanBernardino. Enough is enough: it's time to stand up to the @NRA and enact meaningful gun safety laws
— Martin O'Malley (@MartinOMalley) December 2, 2015
I refuse to accept this as normal. We must take action to stop gun violence now. -H https://t.co/SkKglwQycb
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 2, 2015
Clinton was reportedly speaking about gun control at the time the shooting occurred.
Hillary Clinton was speaking about gun control as the #SanBernardino shooting unfolded. Here's what she said: pic.twitter.com/ZPbmK7eUK3
— Liz Kreutz (@ABCLiz) December 2, 2015
Bernie Sanders recognized that the United States is averaging more than one mass shooting per day in 2015.
Mass shootings are becoming an almost-everyday occurrence in this country. This sickening and senseless gun violence must stop.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 2, 2015
The GOP candidates began to tweet shortly after O’Malley and Clinton:
Praying for those impacted by the shooting in California today.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) December 2, 2015
California shooting looks very bad. Good luck to law enforcement and God bless. This is when our police are so appreciated!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2015
Praying for the victims, their families & the San Bernardino first responders in the wake of this tragic shooting.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 2, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the shooting victims and their families in San Bernardino.
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) December 2, 2015
Praying for the victims and first responders in #SanBernardino for a quick resolution.
— George E. Pataki (@GovernorPataki) December 2, 2015
My thoughts & prayers go out to those impacted by the shooting in San Bernardino, especially the first responders. -John
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) December 2, 2015
Thoughts & prayers are with #SanBernardino
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 2, 2015
Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the first responders in San Bernardino who willingly go into harm’s way to save others
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) December 2, 2015
Praying for all those victimized by the shootings in San Bernardino, California today.
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) December 2, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, and brave first responders during this unspeakable tragedy.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 2, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones and all those impacted by today's tragedy in California #SanBernadino
— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) December 3, 2015
This is the 355th mass shooting so far this year, according to shootingtracker.com’s latest count. On Friday, after three people were killed at a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood, none of the Republican candidates decided to immediately respond. It wasn’t until the next morning that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) issued a statement on Twitter, and many have yet to respond at all.
Update:
This post has been updated with more candidates’ responses.