In wake of Texas school shooting, Massachusetts leaders decry violence and call for gun control

State and local leaders are decrying the shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas that killed at least 21 people on Tuesday.

Some politicians offered condolences, while others called for immediate action on U.S. gun control.

In a tweet Tuesday night, Gov. Charlie Baker said he is "horrified" and "heartbroken" that shootings continue to happen in schools.

Many members of Massachusetts' all-Democratic congressional delegation called for stricter gun laws, such as Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. Warren called the mass shootings "routine" and "sickening."

Markey also expressed his heartbreak, and said "Congress has a moral responsibility to end gun violence now."

Rep. Seth Moulton targeted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directly, calling him a "f-ing coward" for refusing to pass laws for stricter gun control.

In a follow-up tweet, Moulton called for Red Flag laws, stronger background checks and raising the legal age to purchase a gun to 21, and said the "public overwhelmingly supports" those policies.

In an emotional video posted to Twitter, Rep. Jake Auchincloss described tucking his kids in for bed and feeling emotional, calling on the Senate to pass stricter gun laws and for the National Rifle Association to be disbanded.

"On this issue, as a veteran who knows the power of these weapons of war, as a father who knows the love of a parent, I find that I've got hate in my heart tonight," Auchincloss said in the video. "I despise the organizations and the politicians who allow this to happen."

Rep. Jim McGovern said he was "disgusted," and also placed some blame on the "NRA's money."

In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu said the country should pass sweeping changes to gun laws, to "protect children and communities."

Attorney General Maura Healey, who is also a Democratic candidate for governor, said in a tweet, "Our country needs more than thoughts and prayers. We need action now."

Healey also held a press conference on a separate matter Wednesday morning, but started by addressing the shooting.

"It's truly unbelievable what is happening in our country — the failure of leaders to act and take the necessary steps needed to protect the health and safety of our residents and most importantly, the most vulnerable among us, our young people," Healey said.

She called on Congress to act on gun control, including background checks and closing loopholes, and promised to continue to enforce Massachusetts gun laws.