President Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and many other political leaders sent their “thoughts and prayers” to Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday after a gunman killed 26 people and injured 20 more at the First Baptist Church.
But many on Twitter pointed out that the victims were attending church, likely already engaged in prayer, and still suffered at the hands of a gunman. Now, they say, it’s time for politicians to offer something more than thoughts and prayers:
They were in a church that was full of prayers. They need a government who will enact common sense gun laws. #GunControlNow https://t.co/M1wTIe4G01
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) November 5, 2017
thoughts and prayers for people who were mowed down in a church sounds especially hollow.
— Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) November 5, 2017
They were in church. They had the prayers shot right out of them. Maybe try something else.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) November 5, 2017
“Thoughts and prayers” again, @realDonaldTrump, idiot?
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 5, 2017
These people were in CHURCH. They WERE praying. pic.twitter.com/AABiR7Jnfo
At this point, "thoughts and prayers" just means "shut up and take it"
— Katie Mack (@AstroKatie) November 5, 2017
The murdered victims were in a church. If prayers did anything, they'd still be alive, you worthless sack of shit. https://t.co/iGHxPrYrLN
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) November 5, 2017
They were already in a church, Paul. It’s almost like prayers do absolutely nothing and actual reform is needed. https://t.co/hGWpODfULs
— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) November 5, 2017
To all those asking for thoughts and prayers for the victims in #churchshooting , it seems that your direct line to God is not working.
— Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) November 6, 2017
Terror attack that kills 6 gets travel bans same day; Deadliest mass shooting & deadliest church shooting ever get prayers & 2 soon to talk
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 5, 2017
After a mass shooting in a church, the phrase "thoughts and prayers" from the mouths of useless politicians becomes even more asinine.
— roxane gay (@rgay) November 5, 2017
We need more than prayers @RepStevePearce. Today’s victims were at church praying. We need sensible gun regulation and a ban on AR15 weapons https://t.co/iQRH9pms29
— Robert McNamara (@romc) November 6, 2017
Prayers can't bring back the people who were taken from us at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, TX.
— Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) November 5, 2017
We need laws enacted now! pic.twitter.com/d6EkXB7xhd
Clearly your prayers aren't working if a mass shooting can take place in a church. Maybe we can try a legislative solution now?#GunControl
— Sara Bonaccorsi (@SNBonaccorsi) November 6, 2017
Prayers? What the fuck do you think they were doing in church, playing Connect Four? https://t.co/6z7aNxsU06
— Ira Madison III (@ira) November 5, 2017
You have a lot of damn gall to send your prayers to people shot in a church. You could actually do something. You should be ashamed.
— Sharon Hoger (@ms_holstein) November 6, 2017
Shooting happened at a church. I don’t think lack of prayers was the core issue.
— Patrick Thornton (@pwthornton) November 5, 2017
Irony is officially dead when Republicans offer prayers for people who are gunned down while in a church praying.
— Dr. Walter Frazier (@WalterFrazier) November 6, 2017
You're telling me these people were in a CHURCH -- the EPICENTER of thoughts & prayers -- and they STILL weren't safe from guns?
— Megan Amram (@meganamram) November 5, 2017
They were in a *church*. Prayers are not helpful; action is. https://t.co/6v2B78fdxD
— David Schenet (@DavidSchenet) November 6, 2017
Bruh, they were in CHURCH. They HAD prayers. How about some gun control legislation, instead? https://t.co/qHLa7MQjmH
— Cav, Eater of Tacos (@CombatCavScout) November 5, 2017
The victims were literally in a church. Your prayers are worthless. You need to actually do something. But you’re afraid of the @nra. https://t.co/g1fwpBtxNn
— April (@ReignOfApril) November 5, 2017
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Before You Go
