Matthew McConaughey has responded to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas — which is also the actor’s hometown.
McConaughey, who previously considered running for governor, demanded that more needs to be done to stop these tragedies.
On Tuesday, a gunman killed 19 children and two adults at Robb Elementary School.
In his response, the actor wrote on Instagram, “once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us.”
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“What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state, and neighborhood tomorrow?”
“This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever said of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better. We must do better,” he continued.
“Action must be taken so that no parent has to experience what the parents in Uvalde and the others before them have endured,” McConaughey wrote. “And to those who dropped off their loved ones today not knowing it was goodbye, No words can comprehend or heal your loss, but if prayers can provide comfort, we will keep them coming.”
In November, McConaughey announced that he will not be running for Texas governor — despite polls showing that he would win.
Matthew McConaughey Scraps Plan to Run for Texas Governor, Despite Polls Showing He Would Win
“Over the past two years, I’ve been working on the answer to the question of how I can be most useful in this life going forward,” the actor said in a video posted to Twitter. “One category of service I’ve been exploring is politics. Been considering a run for governor of Texas.”
While considering the effort, McConaughey said that he was “listening and been learning, been measuring and studying Texas politics and American politics.”
The actor said that though the concept of running was “humbling and inspiring,” it is not something that he is going to do “at the moment.”
“As a simple kid born in the little town of Uvalde, Texas, it never occurred to me that I would one day be considered for political leadership. It’s a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I’m choosing not to take at this moment,” McConaughey said.
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) November 29, 2021
McConaughey stated that instead of running for office, he will be supporting “entrepreneurs, businesses, and foundations” he believes are “creating pathways for people to succeed in life.”
“To the leaders and the servants out there and the leader and servant in each one of us, cheers to you,” he said. “In the meantimes and all times and until next time, just keep living.”
