Olivia Rodrigo Responds to Texas School Shooting at LA Show

Olivia Rodrigo is the latest celebrity to condemn Tuesday’s mass shooting at a Texas elementary school that left 19 children and two adults dead, telling the Los Angeles crowd she was “devastated.” by this news.

“I wish that we would never have to worry about our safety or our lives in places dedicated to our learning and growth,” said Rodrigo during her performance at the Theater. Greek. “And it breaks my heart because this is the reality that we live in – and we need stronger gun control in America.”

Olivia Rodrigo says she’s “devastated” about the massacre of 18 children at a Texas school today.

“I’m heartbroken because this is the reality we live in. And we need stronger gun control in America.” pic.twitter.com/lKnTGZdB8k

– Tomás Mier (@Tomas_Mier) May 25, 2022

Rodigo’s comments come after many public figures, including Taylor Swift and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, spoke out against the violence. “Full of fury and grief, and so broken by the murders in Uvalde,” Swift tweeted. “By Buffalo, Laguna Woods and many others. In ways that we, as a nation, have become conditioned for incalculable and intolerable heartbreak. “

Swift then shared a now-viral video of Kerr’s pre-match speech in which the coach made an emotional appeal to lawmakers and Americans. “When are we going to do something?” screams eight-time NBA champion. “I’m tired. I’m so tired of coming up here and sending my condolences to the devastated families out there. I’m so tired of excuses, excuses, I’m sorry, I’m so tired of the moment of silence. Full!” Kerr specifically accused Republican senators of refusing to vote on Senate Bill HR8, also known as the bipartisan Background Check Act, to “keep in power.”

This marks the second time in recent weeks that the “Driver’s License” singer has used her new-found platform to share her views on pressing social issues. At a show in Washington DC earlier this month, Rodrigo addressed the possibility of Roe suing Wade and speaking out in favor of abortion rights. “Our bodies should never be in the hands of politicians,” she said. “I hope we can speak up to defend our right to a safe abortion, which is a right that so many people before us have worked so hard for.”

Additional reporting by Tomás Mier.