A man killed 19 children and two teachers Tuesday at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, prompting widespread outrage across the country and statements from several of Utah’s political leaders.
But lawmakers weren’t the only people who voiced their opinions on social media about the shooting.
Several local sports figures took to Twitter to give their thoughts on the shooting.
Utah Jazz part-owner Dwyane Wade tweeted when the death toll had reached 14 and was strong with his comments.
“Sadness and disbelief— what happened to those 14 children and one of our hero’s— a school teacher today at Robb Elementary school in Texas is NOT the norm!” Wade wrote. “It’s a tragedy! Why have all that power and not do everything in your POWER— to protect our children and our elderly.”
Real Salt Lake legend Nick Rimando said, “More horrific news. Things need to change. Protect our children, protect our people.” He ended his tweet with an emoji of a broken heart.
(Scott Strazzante | San Francisco Chronicle via AP) Reacting to the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting earlier in the day, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr makes a statement before Warriors played the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA basketball playoffs Western Conference finals Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Dallas.
Other sports figures in Utah reacted to Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s impassioned pregame comments about the shooting. Kerr is often outspoken about gun violence and other social issues occuring in the news.
Kerr spoke for a nearly three minutes before his Warriors lost Game 4 to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. He spoke not just of the school shooting in Texas, but other recent mass shootings across the country, like the one in Buffalo, New York. He yelled, “When are we going to do something” and also said people cannot become numb to these occurrences.
Jazz and RSL owner Ryan Smith quote tweeted the video of Kerr’s comments and said, “100% spot on. We cannot become numb to this.”
Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell also quote tweeted the video, posting simply two red exclamation points.
Across the nation, even more athletes weighed in:
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“My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families of love ones loss & injured at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX! Like when is enough enough man!!! These are kids and we keep putting them in harms way at school. Like seriously “AT SCHOOL” where it’s suppose to be the safest!” — LeBron James, in a tweet.
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“The news of what’s happening, not just here in Texas but throughout our country, is sad.” — Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.
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“Uvalde, There are no right words. Our hearts are with you and all of our neighbors impacted by today’s horrific shooting.” — statement from the San Antonio Spurs, via Twitter.
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“To the victims, their families and the entire Uvalde community, you are held close to our hearts today and in the weeks to come.” — statement from the Houston Texans, via Twitter.
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“The unthinkable and unimaginable. As I look at my daughter my heart is hurting for all the lives lost and their loved ones. A parents worst nightmare. Enough is enough. No more gun violence, no more terrorism. This is sickening.” — Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart.
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“When is enough going to be enough? Senseless killings , kids dying at the hands of a gun. Seeing so many kids get their hands on guns is painful! Schools aren’t safe. Grocery stores aren’t safe. Kids killing kids. Protecting gun laws can’t be more important than saving lives.” — Sports agent Rich Paul, who represents, among others, LeBron James.
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“Breaks my heart hearing this news, no parent should ever have to lose there child. Praying for the families of those kids and the teacher ... this is devastating.” — Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
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“Devastated doesn’t even begin to describe it. Horrifying horrifying news out of Texas.” — Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt.
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“Tonight we play for Uvalde, Texas.” — the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, in a statement.
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“Has to stop man…… prayers to all the families in Texas.” — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
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“When will we care about the protection of our children above everything else? Children shouldn’t be gunned down in school. It’s absolutely unacceptable that this is continuing to happen. These children represent our country’s future, our hopes, our dreams.” — New York Yankees pitcher Zack Britton.
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“We mourn with their families and friends and the entire community after this unspeakable tragedy.” — Dallas Mavericks public address announcer Sean Heath, before the Warriors-Mavericks game.
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“Change must come.” — Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.
— The Associated Press contributed to this report
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