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'How did this guy get re-elected?': Texas Governor Greg Abbott faces backlash for blaming Allen mall shooting on growing 'anger' instead of guns

Texas Governor Greg Abbott argued that mass shootings in both Republican and Democrat-controlled states would not be fixed by tougher restrictions on guns

ALLEN, TEXAS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott was slammed for attributing the Texas mall shooting to a growing "anger" in American society rather than focusing on gun control measures. A lone gunman shot dead eight people and injured at least 11 others at the Allen Premium Outlets, an outdoor outlet mall in a suburb located north of Dallas on Saturday, May 6, 2023. 

Despite acknowledging the need to address firearm restrictions for "dangerous" individuals, Abbott argued that the root problem lay in the escalating anger and violence prevalent across the country. "One thing that we can observe very easily and that has there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of anger and violence that's taking place in America,” he said on Sunday. Meanwhile, Democrats took to Twitter to resurface Governor Greg Abbott's 2015 tweet, holding the GOP accountable for promoting gun ownership and linking it to the current state of the gun violence epidemic in America.

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During the interview, Abbott noted the rise of mass shootings in both Republican- and Democrat-controlled states as evidence that tougher restrictions on guns were not the solution. He also mentioned ongoing efforts by lawmakers in Texas to enact legislation that restricts firearm access for individuals deemed "dangerous", including criminals, according to the Independent. However, Texas has faced challenges in implementing existing gun control laws due to opposition from gun rights groups.

While similar legislation has faced resistance in the US Congress, recent progress was made with the passage of a bill enhancing background checks and supporting "red flag" laws, although it has had limited impact on reducing gun violence. Texas has recently experienced several significant incidents of gun violence, including the deadly shooting at the Allen outlet mall, which Governor Abbott's office referred to as an "unspeakable tragedy" in an initial statement, pledging resources to support the affected town. 

Internet users unraveled their fury at Abbott after his statement. One user wrote, "Want to help prevent mass shootings? Stop voting for people like this." Another added, "No way we've fallen from grace this badly." One wrote, "GOD BLESS TEXAS!!"

Another claimed, "How many mass shootings, homicides, or suicides with guns will it take before we come to terms with how thoughts and prayers doesn’t fix anything." "How did this guy get re-elected??? So much violence throughout his state, and all he ever does is offer "thoughts and prayers". Don't Texans feel they deserve better?!?!?" read a tweet. 

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