Video shows Ted Cruz storming off after British journalist asks why mass shootings happen ‘only in America’
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Sen. Ted Cruz.Alex Brandon/AP
A British journalist asked Sen. Ted Cruz about gun rights after the Texas elementary school shooting.
“Why does this only happen in your country?” Sky News’ Mark Stone asked Cruz.
Cruz said “I’m sorry you think American exceptionalism is awful,” and then walked away.
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas walked away in the middle of an interview when he was asked by a British journalist why mass shootings take place so often “only in America.”
Cruz was interviewed by Sky News US correspondent Mark Stone on Thursday about the Tuesday mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where at least 19 children and two children were killed. Authorities identified the gunman, who was killed at the scene, as an 18-year-old man who lived in the area.
In the video, Stone asked Cruz if this was “the moment to reform gun laws.”
Cruz responded by saying “You know, it’s easy to go to politics.”
Stone then said “But it’s important. It’s at the heart of the issue.”
Cruz said that Democrats and the media always say the same thing after mass shootings, adding: “The proposals from Democrats and the media? Inevitably, when some violent psychopath murders people …”
Stone then interjected to clarify that it was a “violent psychopath who was able to get a weapon so easily.”
Cruz then said: “If you want to stop violent crime, the proposals the Democrats have? None of them would have stopped this.”
Stone asked Cruz: “But why does this only happen in your country? I really think that’s what many people are around the world, just they cannot fathom why only in America? Why is this American exceptionalism so awful?”
Cruz responded: “You know, I’m sorry you think American exceptionalism is awful. You know what? You get your political agenda, god love you,” and walked away.
Stone followed Cruz and asked more questions, but the video shows Cruz neither addressing him nor turning back.
Cruz has stood up for the National Rifle Association since the shooting, and said that Democrats and the media want to “demonize” the group.
He told CBS News on Thursday that he was still going to speak at the group’s annual meeting in Texas this weekend, and said: “I’ll tell you what the NRA does. It stands up for your rights, stands up for my rights, and stands up for the rights of every American.”
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