Rep. Jamaal Bowman (DN.Y.) gave an explosive condemnation of Republican opposition to gun control legislation on Monday.
“They are all cowards! They will do nothing to save the lives of our children. Coward,” Bowman said he told reporters outside the House of Representatives chamber as lawmakers exited.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who chairs the pro-gun Second Amendment Caucus, asked Bowman what he said as he walked.
“I’m talking about gun violence!” Bowman shouted.
Massie began to argue that school teachers should carry guns, incensing Bowman.
“Bring a gun?” Bowman exclaimed. “Other weapons cause more deaths.”
He accused Massie of “carrying water for the gun lobby.”
Massie then tells Bowman to calm down.
“Calm down? The children are dying!” Bowman shouted. “The solution is not to arm the teacher.”
Massie once sent a Christmas photo his family brought a gun with the inscription: “ps. Santa, please bring ammunition.”
Bowman’s outburst comes after Monday’s mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Three 9-year-old children and three adults were killed by the shooter who, according to police, legally purchased seven firearms, including two assault-style rifles and a handgun that he carried during the attack.
Many Americans, including President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers, have called for more effective gun control laws, such as reinstating the assault weapons ban, after the attack. However, they face opposition from Republicans, many of whom receive substantial campaign donations from the gun lobby.