Academy Award winner and father-of-three Matthew McConaughey visited his hometown of Uvalde to spend time with families of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting, in which a gunman killed two adults and 19 children (now the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history).
McConaughey was born in Uvalde and lived there for much of his childhood. His mother, Kay McCabe, worked as a teacher at St. Philip’s Episcopal School, about a mile down the road from Robb Elementary. McConaughey spent time at Uvalde Civic Center with community members and families of those killed in the attack. “Appreciate Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey helping us heal,” Rep. Tony Gonzales (who represents the district) wrote on Twitter, sharing pictures from the day.
This week was a solemn reminder that evil exists in the world, but we will never let it break us. We’ll unite to be an even more powerful reminder that love never fails & together we can change things.
— Team Tony (@TonyGonzales4TX) May 27, 2022
Appreciate Uvalde native Matthew McConaughey helping us heal. #UvaldeUnited pic.twitter.com/2LwZPbuVNX
“This week was a solemn reminder that evil exists in the world, but we will never let it break us,” Gonzales continued. “We’ll unite to be an even more powerful reminder that love never fails & together we can change things.” McConaughey wrote his own powerful message the night of the attack, asking people to reflect on what they “truly value.”
Uvalde, Texas, USA. pic.twitter.com/0iULRGtREm
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) May 25, 2022
“Once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us,” his statement began. “The true call to action is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror, and ask ourselves, ‘What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state and neighborhood tomorrow?’” he wrote. He also said the country must “find a common ground above this devastating American reality that has tragically become our children’s issue.”
McConaughey isn’t the only Texan speaking out about the senseless tragedy. Selena Gomez also wrote a statement on Twitter, asking, “If children aren’t safe at school where are they safe?”
Today in my home state of Texas 18 innocent students were killed while simply trying to get an education. A teacher killed doing her job; an invaluable yet sadly under appreciated job. If children aren’t safe at school where are they safe?
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) May 25, 2022
“It’s so frustrating and I’m not sure what to say anymore,” she continued. “Those in power need to stop giving lip service and actually change the laws to prevent these shootings in the future.”
“Thank you Matthew for helping to heal our community,” Gonzales continued. “Your visit brought so many smiling faces to Uvalde. See you soon my friend.”
