Two separate mass shootings have left communities torn and dozens dead with many more injured, making the tragic incidents the latest in a string of violent acts of terror orchestrated by white men.
America suffered two back-to-back shootings over the weekend, in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday (August 3) and Sunday (August 4), respectively. The tragedies occurred within 24 hours of each other, and took the lives of more than 50 people — many of whom were Black and brown. The latest incident marks the 251st mass shooting to happen on U.S. soil in 2019, according to CBS News.
- Twenty people were killed and 26 injured after a 21-year-old white male targeted Hispanics at a Walmart in El Paso on Saturday before he was arrested and taken into police custody, according to CNN. The news network also reported that the alleged shooter posted a racist, bigoted and anti-immigrant manifesto online 20 minutes before he murdered innocent people.Within 13 hours of the Texas massacre, nine more lives were taken, with at least 27 injured, including the shooter’s sister, in a separate incident in Ohio, according to CNN. Six out of the other nine killed were described as Black, according to the Associated Press.
In light of the appalling attacks, the topic of gun control has been brought back to the forefront, with many speaking out against President Donald Trump and his administration, along with Republicans in Congress, for their failure to enact sensible gun laws and denounce white supremacists. Rihanna poignantly ethered Trump in a disparaging post on Instagram with an elegant clapback, and now a number of hip-hop luminaries are weighing on the somber news.
Cardi B, who is currently on a break from her tour, eviscerated Trump in a scathing post on Instagram and Twitter on Sunday that highlighted how Trump’s hateful incendiary rhetoric towards minorities fueled the Texas shooter’s racist attack on Hispanics.
“We have enough information already!” she replied to a post from the president updating the situation. “Both of the shooters are white supremacist terrorist with intentions to kill minority’s. Law enforcement took rapid action but what are YOU going to do to control some of your RACIST SUPPORTERS?”
We have enough information already!Both of the shooters are white supremacist terrorist with intentions to kill minority’s .Law enforcement took rapid action but what are YOU going to do to control some of your RACIST SUPPORTERS? https://t.co/P4iYAJa34L
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) August 4, 2019
John Legend, Missy Elliott, T.I., Lizzo, Khalid and more from the hip-hop community are lending their voices to speak out against the senseless violence and acts of white domestic terrorism.
When we condemn the racist venom coming from the President's mouth and point out the bigotry of his policies, it's not an academic question, it's not a political game, it's about life and death. The President regularly inspires killers. He is a part of the problem
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 4, 2019
This is so heartbreaking for these families & victims in Elpaso mall to go through 😢😢😢Lord please give them STRENGTH during this devastating time🙏🏾
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 4, 2019
#ThisIsAmerica but it truly doesn’t have to be. We must be courageous and take necessary action. https://t.co/gTE6XntaKG
— COMMON (@common) August 4, 2019
FACTS !!!!!!! When will you idiots that support this evil con man call for impeachment and help vote him & all his enablers in the GOP OUT !!!!! https://t.co/fb65CLvC69
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) August 3, 2019
I agree. I do not understand the whole “don’t say his name or show his face” angle. They only say this when white males commit terrorism. Like if we close our eyes they will disappear. Nah. Show me EXACTLY what these monsters look like. Tell me their names. Shame that devil. https://t.co/17u3yme3q9
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 4, 2019