MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

'Children over guns': Internet backs Niecy Nash as she recalls brother's death in school shooting amid Nashville tragedy

Niecy Nash is pleading for change in gun laws following Nashville school shooting

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: In response to the Nashville school shooting on Monday March 27 that claimed the lives of three children and three adults, Niecy Nash begged in a TikTok video, "We are losing our way." The Golden Globe nominee, 53, extended her sympathies to the families of the victims of the massacre at The Covenant School in Nashville, which left three children and three adults dead, over 30 years after her brother Michael Ensley, 17, died in a school shooting.

Nash cried as she revealed in a TikTok video, "In 1993, my only brother was killed on his high school campus because somebody brought a gun to school. It's 2023, and there [are] babies who will never make it home to see their parent.," The then 17-year-old, Michael Shean Ensley, was shot and killed on February 22, 1993, at Reseda High School.

RELATED ARTICLES

Nashville school shooting: Here's how you can help Covenant School massacre victims' families

'Worst nightmare of a parent': Witnesses recount Nashville school shooting horror that left 6 dead

'We are losing our way'

Nash added in her TikTok video, "And those parents will forever be in a space where they're like, 'What was the last thing I said? What was the last lunch I made? What was their last thought [or] experience? Did they call out for me?' " She appealed to people to place children's safety above hot topics like the recent ban on drag shows in Tennessee and critical race theory. Nash re-posted her TikTok video on her Instagram page and captioned it, "My heart is heavy."

Nash continued saying, "These are the wrong things. It's the wrong thing, and it is indeed the wrong time. We are losing our way. Some political groups are so focused on the wrong thing that our children are dying. And there ain't no coming back from that... Not even a little bit."

The 'Claws' actor concluded the video by saying, "I am so sorry. And my prayers go out to those families, 'cause it's a pain that I don't wish on nobody. School is the one place where children should be safe. Now, they'll be safe getting on an airplane. But school? That's another thing. And it shouldn't be."

Previously, Nash also shared her thoughts about the Texas school shooting which occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 children and two adults, as per People. The actress wrote, "I'm so sad," over a picture of herself. "My brother was killed on his high school campus. It hits different cuz school is a place you should feel safe. I don't wish it on anyone." The caption on Nash's post said, "My God #ThisIsAmerica"

What happened at Reseda High school shooting?

On  February 22, 1993, a 15-year-old classmate fatally shot and killed 17-year-old student Michael Shean Ensley at Reseda High School while several other teenagers witnessed, reports Los Angeles Times. Margaret Ensley, Michael's mother, established M.A.V.I.S.—Mothers Against Violence in Schools—a nonprofit that promotes nonviolence, educates people about it and supports parents and schools in their efforts to prevent violence.

'We need to choose children over guns'

Fans and followers supported and sympathized with Nash over her heartbreaking TikTok video. One fan commented on her video and said, "Yes. 💔 We need to choose children over guns. Wholeheartedly. As a country. Children over guns. Should go without saying. How dare we continue to do nothing." A second one wrote, "The fact that it’s 2023 and Our babies are still not being protects is BEYOND ME! How on Gods Green EARTH CAN THIS BE STILL A THING!?! My heart goes out to the folks In Tennessee 😢 and any family members that has loss a loved one to senseless violence."

Kellee Stewart commented on Nash's video and said, "Your heart changed another heart today sister. Hugging you from afar and hoping to lighten your load. Your truth MATTERS and I’m proud of you for speaking it. May we all hear it and fight to do better. Blessings and love." Brooke Bailey commented, "I am so very sorry that you are experiencing this pain. 🙏🏾 No words will give you comfort or understanding. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. I pray that God wraps his comforting arms around you and your family during this time. I love you."

Twitter users also expressed their views on Nash's video. "Im so sorry for your pain. Your only brother I cannot fathom. But your words..”there ain’t no coming back” rings in my ears. Im a Nashville native in Atlanta. Very close to my heart. Sending you hugs and prayers," wrote one user. A second Twitter follower typed, "I appreciate you speaking up about this. I'm so sorry that happened to your brother." Another one wrote, "I am just beyond disappointed in our country So very sorry about your brother."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.