Politicians and activists rushed to decry gun violence and advocate new gun control legislation as an attack on the campus of Ohio State University unfolded Monday.
An 18-year-old Somali man attacked a group of people with a car and butcher knife, police said. Due to erroneous media reports during the attack, many people assumed it was an act of gun violence and began calling for stricter gun control laws before police officials commented on the event.
Among those prematurely condemning loose gun laws or decrying gun violence were Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts and Sens. Chris Murphy (D., Conn.), who later deleted his tweet, and Tim Kaine (D., Va.).
For school shooting victims it's not too soon to discuss our nation's lax gun laws - it's too late
Ohio State University pic.twitter.com/oWzYmf4wbf
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) November 28, 2016
Deeply saddened by the senseless act of gun violence at Ohio State this morning. Praying for the injured and the entire Buckeye community
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) November 28, 2016
Other liberal activists shared similar reactions on Twitter.
Everyone in my mentions with the "Let's all get guns & then we can stop these tragedies" -- all evidence shows that hurts more than helps.
— Sam White (@samwhiteout) November 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/therealezway/status/803271133269262336
Some media outlets also attempted to connect early reports of the Ohio State attack with gun violence. Vox originally posted a video on "America's gun problem" in their piece explaining the attack.
https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/803302289939173376
Vox later removed the video from its report on the Ohio State incident and added an editorial comment explaining the changes. "Correction: Based on original reports from Ohio State and media, this article originally noted that the attack was a shooting," the comment said. "Later reports clarified that it was a car-and-knife attack."
As police confirmed that the attacker used a car and butcher's knife to commit his crime and the only shots fired in the incident came from police, those who had condemned gun violence went back to Twitter to share their thoughts. Some thanked God and appeared happy that the attacker stabbed his victims, instead of shooting them.
Thank God there wasn't a gun per media reports and, in turn, no fatalities! Amazing work by law enforcement!! Ohio State University https://t.co/DRal9mvzb5
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) November 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/therealezway/status/803292969918984193
What's happened at Ohio State is terrible. But "mass stabber leaves 8 people with non-life-threatening injuries" is why gun control matters.
— Adam Feldman (@FeldmanAdam) November 28, 2016
Others said the weapons used in the attack were irrelevant and tighter gun control measures are still needed.
That the Ohio State attacker used a car & a knife changes nothing about the need for closing gun loopholes. Simply way too easy to get guns.
— Sam White (@samwhiteout) November 28, 2016
Sens. Kaine and Murphy, the latter of whom deleted his original tweet, updated their followers on the weapons used in the attack and expressed their concern for the victims.
Updated reports say attacker used a vehicle & knife. Horrifying & senseless. Relieved the scene is secure & praying for victims' recovery https://t.co/CzKRjM3qlO
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) November 28, 2016
The news is now saying OSU attacker(s) used knife & car. Equally devastated for victims & their families. Hope those in ER fully recover.
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) November 28, 2016