Beto O’Rourke Confronts Gov. Abbott Over Uvalde School Shooting At Press Conference

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) challenged Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at a press conference on Wednesday over his response to gun violence after Abbott wrapped up an update on the Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting that took the lives of 19 children and two teachers.

“Governor Abbott, I have to say something,” O’Rourke began. “The time to stop the next shooting is right now and you are doing nothing.”

People began shouting at O’Rourke to leave.

“I can’t believe you’re a sick son of a b—- that would come to a deal like this to make a political issue,” Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin shouted.

O’Rourke, who is running to be able to challenge Abbott for his seat in November’s midterm election, was escorted outside where he proceeded to talk to the press.

“He’s [Abbott] refused to expand Medicaid, which would bring $10 million a year, including mental health care access for people who need it,” O’Rourke said. “He’s refused to champion red flag laws. … He’s refused to support safe-storage laws so young people cannot get their hands on their parents’ weapons.”

“This 18-year-old, who just turned 18, bought an AR-15 and took it into an elementary school and shot kids in the face and killed them. Why are we letting this happen in this country? Why is this happening in this state, year after year, city after city? This is on all of us if we do not do something, and I am going to do something. I’m not alone,” O’Rourke added.

He ran through a list of Texas mass shootings, making the point that the cycle of a shooting occurring, being upset and going back to normal until it happens again can’t continue.

Watch the full interaction below.