Hollywood star Josh Gad has hit out at “worthless” US politicians as he confirmed a friend’s young son died in the Florida school shooting.
The stage-and-screen actor, 36, had earlier said the youngster was in a critical condition after being shot in the chest.
Last night, I received a text while I slept that our friend’s son passed away from his gun shot wound. My grief for this family and the many others knows no bounds. I’m so sorry this happened. I’m so sorry our leaders are worthless. I’m so sorry we are bound to repeat this again.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 15, 2018
He wrote on Twitter on Thursday afternoon: “Last night, I received a text while I slept that our friend’s son passed away from his gun shot wound.
“My grief for this family and the many others knows no bounds.
“I’m so sorry this happened. I’m so sorry our leaders are worthless. I’m so sorry we are bound to repeat this again.”
Singer Josh Groban replied: “I’m so sorry Josh.”
Gad had earlier hit out at politicians in Florida who received funding from the National Rifle Association and was joined by other stars in calling for tighter gun controls in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School which left 17 people dead.
I am so angry tonight. I am so sad. I’m putting my phone down because we are debating sensible gun laws again. A child of one of our friend’s has a bullet in his chest & is critical condition because a 19 year old had access to a military weapon. Pretend it’s normal. It’s not.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 15, 2018
Former student Nikolas Cruz, 19, who had been expelled from the high school in Parkland, has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.
Kim Kardashian West and Julianne Moore were among celebrities calling for stronger restrictions in the wake of the atrocity.
Boogie Nights actress Moore tweeted: “The 18th school shooting in the US since January. It is heartbreaking. What will it take to change our nation’s gun laws ???”
The 18th school shooting in the US since January. It is heartbreaking. What will it take to change our nation’s gun laws ??? @Everytown @MomsDemand #FloridaHighSchool
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) February 14, 2018
Kardashian West said: “We owe it to our children and our teachers to keep them safe while at school.
“Prayers won’t do this: action will. Congress, please do your job and protect Americans from senseless gun violence.”
We owe it to our children and our teachers to keep them safe while at school. Prayers won't do this: action will. Congress, please do your job and protect Americans from senseless gun violence
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) February 15, 2018
Singer Nancy Sinatra called on the Republican Party to pass “sensible” gun laws immediately.
“Seventeen more of our young people dead, killed by a shooter with an automatic weapon he had no business having,” she added.
Seventeen more of our young people dead, killed by a shooter with an automatic weapon he had no business having. WAKE UP @HouseGOP and pass sensible gun laws NOW. Stop the carnage. #guncontrol
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) February 14, 2018
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres said: “No words, no actions, no laws are enough until we end this epidemic of school shootings in our country.”
Heartbroken over the news of another school shooting. This is the 18th in 45 days of 2018. Students & teachers shouldn't have to fear for their safety. We must do more to prevent these senseless acts of gun violence. My heart is w/ the people in Parkland, FL. Enough is enough.
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) February 15, 2018
No words, no actions, no laws are enough until we end this epidemic of school shootings in our country. My heart is with the students and parents of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 14, 2018
Actress Reese Witherspoon said she was “heartbroken” by the attack, adding “enough is enough”.