PA Lawmakers Call For State Of Emergency After Texas School Shooting

HARRISBURG, PA — Democratic state lawmakers are pushing for the declaration of a gun violence state of emergency in Pennsylvania following the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday that left 19 children and 2 adults dead. That shooting came just days after another mass shooting in Buffalo, New York that killed 10.

Leading Pennsylvania Republicans, meanwhile, maintain that the killings are not a gun issue, and advocate for improved safety resources as well as armed school security personnel.

A state of emergency would allow additional funds and resources to be allocated to the issue, while also symbolically prioritizing action, according to officials. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made a similar declaration in New York in July 2021.

“In Harrisburg, we could pass meaningful gun reform," State Sen. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Phialdelphia) said in a statement. "If we had enough elected leaders who actually gave a damn."

RELATED: Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims

Kenyatta pushed for the state of emergency, passing existing but presently stalled gun safety legislation, and addressing the root causes of violence by "investing in the youth."

Republicans could not disagree more.

Republican gubernatorial candidate and current State Sen. Doug Mastriano argued that the issue was not about guns and that "these senseless acts will continue to occur regardless of the laws on the books or the weapon of choice."

"We can take steps to avoid these tragedies in the future by fortifying our schools and increasing mental health resources," Mastriano said. "We are facing a mental health crisis in our nation that continues to deteriorate."

Mastriano's proposal called for more guidance counselors, improved intervention training for teachers, armed school resource officers, and funding for security measures like metal detectors.

Gov. Tom Wolf, meanwhile, called for requiring background checks on all gun slaes, requiring safe storage of firearms, requiring timely reporting of lost or stolen guns, and creating "red flag" laws that alert authorities to those who may be a danger to themselves or others.

"How many more children must die before we actually take meaningful action?" he said in a statement, citing anger with the General Assembly for a lack of movement on pending legilsation.. "How many more mass shootings must we witness before we wake up to the reality that gun violence is a public health crisis that must be addressed? People should feel safe going to school, the supermarket, their place of worship, the mall, the movies, and even outside in their community."

Wolf's office did not directly address the notion of a state of emergency.

Celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, among the two leading Republican candidates for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, said action was needed, though his Tuesday statement was non-specific.

"It is unimaginable pain that the parents and community are being faced with today," he said. "We need to ensure our kids are protected from these senseless acts of violence and feel safe in our schools."

"Absolutely devastating and heartbreaking news in Texas," Republican Senate candidate David McCormick added. "Our deepest prayers are with the children and families of this horrible tragedy."

"Shocked and saddened by the horrific shooting at a Texas elementary school yesterday," Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman said. "Please join me in praying for peace and comfort for all the families who have been impacted by this senseless crime."