The worst mass shooting in American history took place on Sunday night in Las Vegas when a shooter unloaded hundreds of rounds into a crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival around the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. As the details became public, Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway came under fire for posting a tweet that appeared to be innocent, but didn't go over well with critics of the administration.
Conway on Vegas shooting
Shortly after 10 p.m. local time in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday night, shots were fired into a crowd listening to country music singer Jason Aldean perform.
The Route 91 Harvest Festival was ending its third and final night when shots were heard coming from a high-rise. Police quickly rushed to the scene before making their way to the 32nd floor of a nearby hotel. The man responsible has since been identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, a local resident from Mesquite, Nevada who had no prior record outside of basic traffic tickets. Paddock reportedly took his own life before law enforcement could make their way into his hotel room. As of press time, at least 50 people have been reported dead, with over 400 being left injured. In a recent report via the Washington Post, Paddock has been described as a "lone wolf" shooter with no apparent ties to terrorism.
In response to the news, Kellyanne Conway tweeted out her "thoughts and prayers" during a October 2 social media post, though those who oppose the president weren't pleased.
Thoughts and prayers for the victims and their loved ones, peace and healing for those injured in Las Vegas.
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) October 2, 2017
Taking to her Twitter account on Monday morning, Kellyanne Conway sent out her well wishes to the people impacted by the mass shooting in Las Vegas.
"Thoughts and prayers for the victims and their loved ones, peace and healing for those injured in Las Vegas," Conway tweeted out. Due to the term "thoughts and prayers" being used often by conservatives, as opposed to representatives in the Republican Party pushing for gun control legislation, critics wasted no time responding.
Las Vegas mass shooting is officially deadliest in US history: https://t.co/H5stp2M8Vv pic.twitter.com/8rGwPW2ZON
— The Hill (@thehill) October 2, 2017
Twitter reacts
After Kellyanne Conway sent out her "thoughts and prayers" message on social media, backlash quickly followed. "You are part of the problem, not part of the solution," one tweet read.
If only thoughts and prayers could bring back lives lost due to the unwillingness to talk about gun control
— Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) October 2, 2017
I’m sure you couldn’t give less of a shit. You’re defending all the people who are okay with the NRA.
— Will Michael O'Neil (@ThisIsReadade) October 2, 2017
Let’s start off by calling it what it is: Domestic Terrorism and passing sensible gun control!
— BlackFlag (@blackflag044) October 2, 2017
"Let’s start off by calling it what it is: Domestic Terrorism and passing sensible gun control!" another social media user wrote.
"If only thoughts and prayers could bring back lives lost due to the unwillingness to talk about gun control," Roland Scahill added.
Instead of “thoughts & prayers” how about actual work on gun control reform. Peolple are dying, so actually do something to help. #LasVegas
— Kim Kurzatkowski (@the_other_kimk) October 2, 2017
What is the Trump administration doing to prevent another preventable massacre? How about taking on the gun lobby?
— Lawrence Glickman (@LarryGlickman) October 2, 2017
you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.
— Lisa Feenstra (@KalanfeenLisa) October 2, 2017
"Thoughts and prayers.. so basically.. you have nothing. As expected," yet another tweet pointed out. "I’m sure you couldn’t give less of a sh*t.
You’re defending all the people who are okay with the NRA," yet another tweet noted. The negative reaction continued as the worst mass shooting in the United States history has triggered an emotional outrage across the country.
