Connecticut's Senator Chris Murphy gave a powerful speech to the Senate floor today, 25 May, begging for US gun laws to be amended following the Texas shooting.
The Senator, who was formerly a representative from a district that included Sandy Hook Elementary School, opened his speech by recalling the 2012 shooting, where 26 people were left dead, 20 of which were children.
"Sandy Hook will never, ever be the same," he said as his voice began to break.
"This community in Texas will never, ever be the same. Why? Why are we here? If not to try to make sure that fewer schools and fewer communities go through what Sandy Hook has gone through. What Uvalde is going through."
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He added: "I am here on this floor to beg – to literally get down on my hands and knees and beg my colleagues."
Senator Murphy continued: "Find a path forward here. Work with us to find a way to pass laws that make this less likely. I understand my Republican colleagues may not agree to everything I support, but there is a common denominator we can find. There is a place where we can achieve agreement..."
He concluded his speech demanding his fellow senators take action against gun violence by asking: "What are we doing? Why are we here? What are we doing?"
The Connecticut Senator made his heartfelt plea after a gunman opened fire on Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing a total of 14 children yesterday, 24 May.
The news broke when the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District confirmed in a statement that an active shooter was at the school, writing via Twitter: "There is an active shooter at Robb Elementary.
"Law enforcement is on site. Your cooperation is needed at this time by not visiting the campus. As soon as more information is gathered it will be shared."
Governor Greg Abbott has confirmed the shooter was an 18-year-old who entered the school with a handgun and possibly a rifle.
Governor Abbott also disclosed that the responding officers had killed the now confirmed man, Salvador Ramos, shortly after being called to the scene.
13 students are currently being treated in the Uvalde Memorial Hospital's emergency department following the shooting, according to ABC.
Two children have been transferred to other hospitals, with a third child awaiting to be transferred.
A 45-year-old is also being treated after being grazed by a bullet, and a 66-year-old is also in critical condition.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Charisa Bossinakis