Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey Appears At White House Briefing To Urge Weapons Reform Action – Watch Video

Matthew McConaughey spoke to reporters at the White House on Tuesday as tears welled from his eyes as he met the families of those killed in a shooting at Robbie Elementary School in Wawald, Texas, his hometown.

The actor’s appearance in the White House meeting room after he and his wife Camilla met with President Joe Biden was unusual in many ways, as he spoke touchingly about the victims and their private lives while sharing deeply personal stories. . Nineteen students and two teachers were killed when a gunman opened fire on their class.

Earlier this week, the actor posted an article in the Austin American Statesman calling for a number of weapons reform proposals, including a review of all requirements for purchasing firearms, a requirement. 21 years minimum for the purchase of a firearm and a waiting period. For acquisitions and “red flag” laws across the country.

“We have had the opportunity to reach now and rise to a higher place, above our political affiliation,” McConaughey said. “It is possible to make a decision that will do more than just protect your party. “An opportunity to make a decision that protects our country now and for the next generation.”

McConaughey’s comments were broadcast live by all three major cable news networks as he tried to clearly describe the personalities and aspirations of the victims. She at one point spoke to her about Maite Rodriguez, 9, saying that she wanted to become a marine biologist and she already had a contract with Texas A&M in Corpus Christi, hoping to join her someday.

“Mite wore green high-top sneakers with a heart that she had hand painted on the sole of her right foot because they represented her love of nature,” she said. Then his wife lifted her shoes.

“I used it every day,” he said. “Green Converse, heart on right finger. This is the same green conversion on his feet that turned out to be the only clear evidence she could have identified him during filming. What about that? “

“This is an epidemic that we can control,” said Matthew McConaughey, referring to the shooting in his Texas hometown.

McConaughey’s message was that while arms reform has divided the country, there is actually an agreement on reasonable measures. He told reporters: “Responsible gun owners are tired of the second amendment being insulted and hijacked by outsiders. “These rules are not a step back, they are a step forward for civil society and a second amendment.”

“I promise you, America, you and I are not as divided as we have been told we are,” he said in a 20-minute statement.

When he finished his remarks, he said, “We started by saying that the loss of these people … is important.” The reporters asked him questions, one of them asked: “Are you a gentleman?” But he didn’t answer and left the meeting room.

McConaughey also met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL).

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“The need for mental health, school safety, sensational media coverage, and the collapse of American values ​​are long-term social factors that need to be addressed, but we don’t have the luxury of time right now,” McConaughey wrote in his article. “We must focus on adjustments and countermeasures that can also immediately reduce the tragedies of armed violence that have become so widespread in our country.”

A bipartisan group of senators is working on a package of proposals and the House plans to vote on a series of arms reform measures this week. But there are still big questions about whether meaningful action on weapons will be taken, given the 60-vote threshold needed to improve legislation in the Senate. This was legislation that was doomed to fail in 2013, following the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.

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McConaughey is the latest celebrity to visit the White House as the administration uses high-profile figures in the fury of partisan media. BTS visited Biden last week and appeared in a White House video on the subject of arrest and the whereabouts of Asian-American hate crimes. It has garnered over 6.4 million views.. Selena Gomez visited the White House last month to talk about mental health.

The actor considered an independent proposal from the governor of Texas last year, but ultimately decided against it. McConaughey will appear on Fox News. special report Later Tuesday for an interview with Brett Bayer.