In the aftermath of the most horrific mass shooting in American history, the debate over gun control is back on the front page. As Donald Trump and his administration do their best to deflect from the topic, celebrities out in Hollywood are using their popularity to try and force the discussion.

Hollywood on Vegas shooting

As the third and final night of the Route 91 Harvest Festival was coming to a close on the Vegas strip Sunday night, shots could be heard firing towards the crowd of tens of thousands of people. Hundreds of rounds were unloaded from the 32nd floor of a nearby hotel, as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock carried out his act of horror.

Law enforcement rushed to the scene and eventually located the shooter, but before they could have a chance to take him down, Paddock took his own life rather than face off with police. As of press time, 58 deaths have been confirmed, with over 500 others left injured. In the hours since the attack, the entire country has had various reactions. As seen on his Twitter feed and later during a speech at the White House, Donald Trump condemned the hate and violence, but left out any mention of gun control. The issue was later dismissed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders during a press briefing, with partisan politics quickly taking control of the debate. In response, Hollywood stars wasted no time reacting, as was seen across their social media accounts on October 2.

Taking to Twitter on Monday afternoon were many Hollywood celebrities who expressed their sympathy for the victims in Las Vegas, while also calling out Donald Trump, Republicans, and even the NRA for what took place.

"With terrible, heart-wrenching news filling national headlines, we are met with tone-deaf inanities from our president. He cannot lead us," actor George Takei wrote.

"Prayers are important but @SpeakerRyan @realDonaldTrump blood is on the hands of those who have power to legislate," Lady Gaga tweeted, while adding, "Gun Control, act quickly." "People calling for #GunControlNow aren't 'exploiting a tragedy;' they're trying to prevent the next one," comedian John Fugelsang posted in an apparent response to the routine right-wing defense on the issue of gun control.

"Unless your THOUGHTS are about gun control or your PRAYERS are that we legislate sane gun control, they’re worthless today," actor John Leguizama added. "This is what Republicans stand for. Gun rights and the gun lobby who pays for their campaigns. Even when one of their own is shot on a field," comedian Chelsea Handler posted.

Double down

"I believe in prayer, but it's not enough by itself.

We need better LAWS. In no world does a CIVILIAN need a MACHINE GUN. Let's fix this," actress Emma Rossumm pointed out. The negative response from Hollywood continued to pour in on Twitter, as the stars used their large following to bring attention to the issue of gun control.
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