Clinton issues call to action on guns after Va. slayings
Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton on Wednesday called for action to end gun violence in the wake of a shooting that left two journalists dead in Virginia.
Clinton tweeted:
Heartbroken and angry. We must act to stop gun violence, and we cannot wait any longer. Praying for the victims’ families in Virginia. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 26, 2015
Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, a fellow Democratic candidate, tweeted that the shooting was “senseless” and said his thoughts were with the local TV station.
WDBJ reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were shot and killed Wednesday morning during a live morning newscast while conducting an interview.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Vester Flanagan, a former employee of the Roanoke, Va., CBS affiliate, who went by the name Bryce Williams.
Twitter and Facebook accounts under the name of the suspect posted videos of the shooting scene filmed from the gunman’s point of view.
Both accounts were quickly suspended after the graphic videos went live.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), a longtime ally of Clinton who has also been in favor of more gun control, also issued a call for action following the shootings.
“There are too many guns in the hands of people who should not have guns,” he told The Washington Post. “That is why I’ve long advocated for background checks.”
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