Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey pleads for stricter gun laws

Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey expressed his emotional thoughts at the White House press briefing. On Tuesday, the Uvalde native actor met with President Biden regarding the continuous mass shootings. Last month, a gunman shot 19 children and two teachers dead.

In his speech, McConaughey told the stories of the victims while pushing for urgent action on gun control policies. He also said that he and his wife Camila Alves spent time with the victims’ families these past few weeks.

McConaughey displayed photos of the children’s artwork. He even brought a green Converse to the briefing room. One girl wore that green Converse shoes every day, and the investigators used that shoes to identify her body after the shootout. The girl even drew a heart on one of the shoes.

Actor Matthew McConaughey, a native of Uvalde, Texas as well as a father and a gun owner, becomes emotional as he holds up a picture of a young victim of the school shooting in Uvalde as he speaks to reporters about mass shootings in the United States during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., June 7, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

The actor, who frequently visits his hometown after the shootout, said he needed to tell the victims’ stories. This shows how much action is necessary to honor the lives lost at the Robb Elementary School shooting.

McConaughey said, “You know what every one of these parents wanted, what they asked us for? What does every parent separately express in their way to Camila and me? That they want their children’s dreams to live on. They want their children’s dreams to continue, to accomplish something after they are gone. They want to make the loss of life matter.”

He also added that there’s a more extensive “window of opportunity” now to execute changes in the gun policy reform after the horrendous incident. He suggested tight universal background checks. It also includes increasing the average age for AR-15 purchases to at least 21 years old. Also, he called out for the practice of red flag laws.

Today, I had the privilege of welcoming @McConaughey to the US Capitol to discuss Congress’ efforts on gun violence prevention legislation. After the recent tragedy in his hometown of Uvalde, we agreed on the need for urgent action to save lives — especially for the children. pic.twitter.com/8eVpVDLUhJ

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) June 7, 2022

McConaughey’s active involvement

McConaughey also called out for the bipartisan action on mental health reform. Aside from stricter gun legislation, he also called out the consequences for those who violate gun laws.

He added, “There is a sense that perhaps there’s a viable path forward. Responsible parties in this debate seem to be at least committed to sitting down and having a real conversation about a new and improved path forward. This path can bring us closer together and make us safer as a country, a path that can be possible this time.”

Matthew McConaughey essentially supported the Democrats’ gun reform proposal. The obstacle to common sense gun reform is the GOP. These are not two extremes — we’re talking about one party (D) trying to protect the American people and the other (R) trying to protect the NRA.

— Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) June 8, 2022

In addition, McConaughey also highlighted the children’s dreams before the gunman killed them. One child dreams of going to an art school in Paris. While another one wanted to be a marine biologist. Another was preparing for a Bible reading at church the week after the shooting incident.

McConaughey said, “You could feel the shock in the town. You could feel the pain, the denial, the disillusion, anger, blame, sadness, loss of lives, and dreams halted.”

He also said, “Due to the exceptionally large exit wounds of an AR-15 rifle, most of the bodies so mutilated that only DNA test or green Converse could identify them. Many children were left not only dead but hollow. So, yes, counselors will be needed in Uvalde for a long time.”

Last year, the actor thought of running for governor in Texas. However, he brushed it off. He said that “it was not the path I’m choosing to take.”

McConaughey released a statement to the reporters at Capitol Hill on Tuesday. He hopes that he will achieve progress in his meetings with the state’s lawmakers. He came from a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and met with House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy.

While the chances for any significant changes in the gun reforms seem blurry, some lawmakers are optimistic that a deal for a targeted bill is possible. Jean-Pierre said that Biden was “encouraged” by the negations about gun control policies.