Face of Nation : Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed his deep sadness over the “terrible and evil” shooting massacre which has left at least 20 people dead in the US.
A gunman armed with an assault-rifle killed 20 people and wounded 26 at a crowded Walmart in El Paso, Texas before being arrested on Saturday. “So terribly saddened by the senseless violence in El Paso that has taken so many innocent lives,” Mr Morrison tweeted on Sunday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities impacted as well as the first responders. A terrible and evil attack.”
Foreign Minister Marise Payne offered condolences to the US as she stood alongside Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper in Sydney. “Let me also express Australia’s most sincere condolences at the tragedy that has unfolded in El Paso today, and convey our sympathies to those who have been lost and their families,” she told reporters. “Our thoughts and prayers to those who are dealing with their injuries.” Mr Pompeo acknowledged Australia’s condolences. “Thank you for your special sympathy for those who were killed in El Paso, Texas,” he said. It was the 249th gun massacre this year in the United States.
Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer said Americans must stand up to the gun lobby after the latest atrocity. “Still nobody directly calls out the real problem and the National Rifle Association policies and priorities and its controversial CEO Wayne LaPierre,” Mr Fischer told AAP on Sunday. “Until the state and federal congresses stand up to the NRA no real progress will be made. “In the meantime Australia’s DFAT should upgrade the smart traveller site to reflect the dangerous situation in the USA re guns.”
Mr Fischer has called on journalists to bail up US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who is in Sydney on Sunday and ask directly why tourists should risk their lives in travelling to the USA.
