Barack Obama pays tribute to Parkland student activists on 1st anniversary of school shooting: 'I'm proud of all of them'
As friends and family members spend Feb. 14 mourning their loved ones killed in last year’s Parkland school shooting, politicians and public figures are also marking the first anniversary of the tragedy that left 17 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and staff members dead.
The White House released a lengthy statement in which President Trump said that he and the first lady are “praying for the continued healing of those in the Parkland community and all communities where lives have been lost to gun violence.”
President Trump statement on Parkland anniversary: "Today, as we hold in our hearts each of those lost a year ago in Parkland, let us declare together, as Americans, that we will not rest until our schools are secure and our communities are safe.” pic.twitter.com/0sHR6RTAsU
— Dan Linden (@DanLinden) February 14, 2019
Trump later addressed the one-year anniversary of the deadliest shooting at a high school in U.S. history on Twitter.
One year ago today, a horrific act of violence took the lives of 14 students and 3 educators in Parkland, Florida. On this somber anniversary, we honor their memory and recommit to ensuring the safety of all Americans, especially our Nation’s children… https://t.co/MDnSX1BFeW pic.twitter.com/EVAeSwA8oV
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2019
His predecessor, Barack Obama, shared his own statement, in which he praised Parkland survivors who “pushed for the way things should be,” and took a stand for gun control.
In the year since their friends were killed, the students of Parkland refused to settle for the way things are and marched, organized, and pushed for the way things should be – helping pass meaningful new gun violence laws in states across the country. I'm proud of all of them.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 14, 2019
Many commenters agreed, sharing his statement and their own sentiments.
Thank you Mr.President 🙏❤️
— Clifton Collins Jr. (@ccollinsjr) February 14, 2019
— Allan Creasy (@ServeThe901) February 14, 2019
We need #GunReform NOW! America deserves better.
— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) February 14, 2019
@realDonaldTrump should look to you as a shining example of what a leader should be. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVELY FAMILY!!
— Jacquie Presley-Grizzle (@JacquiePresley) February 14, 2019
Presidential hopefuls also weighed in, making their own calls for gun control legislation, as did Hillary Clinton and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
We must remember and reaffirm that gun violence is not an intractable problem.
We will not accept it. We know what to do to solve it. @MomsDemand, @Everytown, @AMarch4OurLives, and so many others are making progress every day.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 14, 2019
Join a cause today, support a gun-sense candidate, or find another way to pitch in.
We can save lives, honor victims, and give too many grieving communities the knowledge that "Never again" means "Never again."
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 14, 2019
Today marks 1 year since the devastating Parkland mass shooting. From the brave defiance of its student survivors, we now have a GVP House Majority that will pass universal background checks. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/kyuSsLXDeT
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) February 14, 2019
One year ago, the #Parkland community lost 17 lives in a heinous act of gun violence. #SinceParkland 1,200 kids in America have been killed by guns. It’s long past time we unite in common purpose and pass common sense gun safety legislation to prevent more tragedy.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) February 14, 2019
“We call BS.” @Emma4Change’s words have stuck with me in the year since 17 people were killed in the Parkland shooting. Today, as we honor their memories, we’re still calling BS on the NRA’s chokehold on our laws. We’ll never stop fighting for safety over greed, and we will win. pic.twitter.com/j7qzY6cpit
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) February 14, 2019
A year ago today, someone intent on doing harm was able to murder 17 students and teachers in Parkland because they had a military-grade gun.
We grieve with victims’ families. And we fight alongside the Parkland students to fix our laws. #ParklandStrong
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 14, 2019
And many notable sports figures paid tribute to the lives lost, with Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, tennis legend Billie Jean King and Golden State Warriors coach and gun control advocate Steve Kerr speaking out.
since then, led by a remarkable group of young people who are changing the course of gun safety laws in the US. Please join me in supporting groups like @AMarch4OurLives @BradyCampaign, and @sandyhook as we all must hold our elected officials accountable for the protection of our
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) February 14, 2019
Keep up the good fight, @MattxRed @YannaWilliams18 @davidhogg111 and @Emma4Change .
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) February 14, 2019
One year ago, 17 students and teachers were murdered in Parkland, FL. The young survivors and their families have turned tragedy into activism, and we must stand with them. The time for common sense gun legislation is now. #ParklandStrong #NeverForget #GunControlNow
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) February 14, 2019
One year ago today 17 members of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School family were lost forever – but their memories will live on. Today, and every day, we take time to remember their lives and honor their sacrifice.#MSDStrong pic.twitter.com/HG6mrIdEXd
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 14, 2019
Remembering the 17 lives lost one year ago. As friends and families heal, we have to remember to do our part and continue to call for the change that is needed. #ParklandStrong #MSDStrong pic.twitter.com/LbWWiRMshI
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 14, 2019
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