Stephen Colbert hailed for inspiring speech asking viewers to take stand on gun control after Maine mass shooting
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Television host Stephen Colbert addressed the most recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine on 'The Late Show' and urged his audience to take a stand on gun control. Many people were moved by his strong remarks, which led to an outpouring of support, online.
A mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, resulted in the tragic death of at least 18 individuals on Wednesday evening, on October 25, as stated by Maine Governor Janet Mills. An additional 13 people sustained serious injuries. The alleged perpetrator, identified as Robert Card, remains at large.
The incident occurred across two venues: a bowling alley hosting a children’s league and a local bar, according to officials, per ABC News. The popular "The Late Show" host responded to the tragedy on Thursday, October 26, and many dubbed it the "best monologue," compared to other late night shows.
What did Stephen Colbert say about gun control after Maine mass shooting?
Colbert described the mass shooting in Maine as "unfathomable darkness" and said that the "sickening grief and horror" are beyond words.
The host then shared the news that the alleged shooter, who is currently on the run, is reported to have a history of mental health problems, including hearing voices.
It was also reported that the alleged gunman had previously threatened to attack a National Guard base and had been admitted to a mental health institution for a fortnight during the last summer.
Colbert emphasized, "yet he was still able to get guns now we know the arguments some people are going to say this is a mental health issue others are going to say it's a gun issue but there's no reason it can't be both."
The host further explained, "For instance, some people are going to look at this tragedy and say we don't have enough guns in America that alone proves some of us are mentally ill."
"It doesn't matter where the answers come from from Republicans Or democrats or Independents there's no reason for this to be a partisan issue. Humans are dying this is a human issue and at times like this you can feel powerless but you're not because you can make this the issue you vote on."
"I promise you no matter what side of the aisle you presently sit on you will not be alone because 86% of your fellow Americans want Universal background checks before any gun purchase. A majority of your fellow Americans want a ban on assault-style weapons; more than 80% of Americans want Congress to do something, anything, to prevent mass shootings," Colbert noted.
He continued, "So ask your representative what will you do and if they don't have an answer immediately at hand. if they say it's too soon to talk about this that means they've never really given it any serious thought because they have had plenty of time since Uval and Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Sandy Hook and the Pulse Nightclub. So if they don't have an answer now, they will never have an answer."
Stephen Colbert's monologue makes viewers sob after Maine tragedy
Colbert’s moving words were met with a deluge of praise on social media. Numerous viewers not only agreed with his viewpoint but also lauded him for leveraging his platform to tackle such a crucial matter under the clip posted on YouTube.
A user reacted to the video, "As a Maine resident just shocked that it finally happened here, thanks for the kind words. Its so surreal seeing your local area on the national news for such an awful reason."
Another fan wrote, "I'm not a Mainer, I'm not even an American. I'm a Torontonian. But Stephen's monologue brought tears to my eyes that I'm still blinking away as I write this. There's nothing I can say apart from "damn right"."
"That was perhaps the first time I had tears running down my face during Stephen's monologue...but thank you Stephen," wrote another.
"Such a strong message Steven : our thoughts are with all Americans who have to live with this fear constantly," penned one user.
Another noted, "Best monologue from any late night show I’ve ever heard. If only we had people like Stephen running our country."