An emotional Matthew McConaughey has urged lawmakers to put a stop to mass shootings like the Uvalde massacre that killed 19 schoolchildren and two teachers.
The Hollywood A-lister, who grew up in Uvalde, spoke at the White House to call on legislators to introduce gun reform.
While holding up the shoes of one of the Uvalde schoolchildren, the 52-year-old actor said that responsible gun owners like himself are 'fed up with the Second Amendment being abused and hijacked by deranged individuals'.
The Dallas Buyers Club star said during his 20-minute speech that he isn't anti-gun but something needs to be done to keep gun owners doing the right thing.
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"Uvalde is where I learned responsible gun ownership," he said, as per the New York Post.
"We need background checks, we need to raise the minimum age to purchase an AR-15 rifle to 21, we need a waiting period for those rifles, we need red flag laws and consequences for those who abuse them."
The Hollywood star added that regulations such as this are 'not a step back, they’re a step forward for a civil society and the second amendment'.
He added: "Is this a cure all? Hell no. But people are hurting, families are, parents are."
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McConaughey said he met with the families of victims following the Uvalde shooting.
He told the press in attendance that nine-year-old victim Maite Rodriguez had to be identified by her shoes.
“These same green Converse on her feet turned out to be the only clear evidence that could identify her after the shooting,” he said, his voice cracking.
McConaughey revealed Rodriguez wanted to be a marine biologist when she grew up.
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He also revealed the nine-year-old cared for the environment so much that her mother turned down the city of Uvalde’s offer to release balloons in her name as a tribute.
"Her mum said 'Oh no, Maite wouldn’t want to litter'," McConaughey said, as per USA Today.
He also held up a drawing by 10-year-old victim Alithia Ramirez and told how another 10-year-old victim, Ellie Garcia, had been preparing to read a Bible verse at her church the day after the massacre.
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"She never got to read it," McConaughey said, as per CNN.
A lone gunman killed 19 children and two adults after storming Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and opening fire on students and teachers on 24 May.
In the wake of the shooting US President Joe Biden lashed out at the gun lobby and has called on Congress to back gun reform legislation.
Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / Alamy Stock Photo.Topics: News, US News, Crime, Matthew McConaughey