Ban guns & NRA? Politicians & celebs react to YouTube HQ shooting
Little is known about the woman who wounded at least three at the YouTube headquarters in California before killing herself. Yet the incident is already being politicized, with celebrities blaming the National Rifle Association.
The shooter, who has not been identified by name, was found dead inside the YouTube building in San Bruno, California on Tuesday afternoon. The San Francisco General Hospital confirmed receiving three patients with gunshot wounds, a man and two women. The man’s condition was listed as critical.
READ MORE: At least 3 wounded, shooter reported dead at YouTube HQ (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
“Ban guns, ban the NRA, and never vote for Republicans. All three made this possible,” Google employee Abe Hassan tweeted in the aftermath.
I'm safe.There was an active shooter at @YouTube headquarters today, with (probably) multiple people injured.Ban guns, ban the NRA, and never vote for Republicans. All three made this possible.
— Abe Hassan (@burr86) April 3, 2018
Actor Michael Ian Black called the NRA a “terrorist organization” and said he intended to “politicize the f**k” out of the shooting.
Another shooting. I'm going to politicize the fuck out of it, and so should you.The NRA is a terrorist organization. https://t.co/UsoQBIxWpf
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) April 3, 2018
Actress Bette Midler criticized President Donald Trump for offering thoughts and prayers to those affected, instead of standing up to the NRA.
Mr. Trump, you know in your heart that no one needs or wants your "thoughts and prayers"...what people long for is to feel safe and secure in their schools and workplaces and houses of worship. You nearly stood up to the NRA. What changed your mind?? https://t.co/CoUdguVmdm
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) April 3, 2018
Senate Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who represents nearby San Francisco, said that Americans “deserve real action to #EndGunViolence.”
My staff & I are closely following developments from the active shooter situation at YouTube HQ in San Bruno, CA. Thank you to our heroic first responders. Our Bay Area community – and all American communities – deserve real action to #EndGunViolence.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) April 3, 2018
Congresswoman Jackie Speier, who represents the district where the attack happened, also used the hashtag #EndGunViolence, but sent “prayers to the victims and survivors.”
I am shocked and saddened to hear about another mass shooting, this one at YouTube in my District. I am following developments and am sending prayers to the victims and survivors. We must take action and #EndGunViolence.
— Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) April 3, 2018
Shannon Watts, founders of Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America, blamed the shooting on a NRA video urging its members to “rise up” against YouTube’s removal of gun videos. The video sharing service cracked down on gun-related content after the Parkland, Florida school shooting in February.
In light of the shooting in San Bruno at YouTube, will the @NRA apologize for this disgusting tweet in which it calls on its members to “rise up” against the company’s decision to take down how-to gun videos? https://t.co/5RgvFf02wT
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) April 3, 2018
In response to the accusations, many social media denizens pointed out the NRA had nothing to do with the shooting, that California has strict gun laws already, and that the YouTube campus was a gun-free zone.
Youtube building a gun free zone. California has very strict gun laws. Shooting takes place at Youtube whom has very strict anti=gun policies. I guess the female shooter didn't get the message. I bet she is not an NRA member. Buy a gun. Shoot back.
— Sam Dawson (@SamsGarageSale) April 3, 2018
Was the shooter an NRA member? Did the shooter do it in the name of the NRA? Do we know any pertinent information yet?Sorry Michael but this type of hysterical take is exactly why our national discourse is such a disaster. https://t.co/MmzQcHOifc
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) April 3, 2018
Meanwhile, a local resident who witnessed the shooting from a restaurant across the street, seemed not to share the celebrity-activist opinion on guns.
“I didn't have a gun but I wish I did!" he said, describing the incident to a number of television stations.
YouTube shooting witness: "I didn't have a gun on me, but I wish I did." pic.twitter.com/t3EYnvZCPs
— Ryan Saavedra 🇺🇸 (@RealSaavedra) April 3, 2018
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