#Orlando: Kim K makes gun control plea
Kim Kardashian West makes plea for better gun control laws, as entertainers react to the Orlando mass shooting.
|||Kim Kardashian West has made an impassioned plea for better gun control laws.
The 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star has spoken out in the wake of a mass shooting at an Orlando gay club that left 50 people dead on Sunday morning and expressed her outrage that current legislation "makes it easy for dangerous people" to obtain weapons.
She tweeted: "I'm truly at a loss for words. To everyone in Orlando affected by this massacre, my thoughts, love, & prayers are with u.
"Under current federal law people on terror watch lists can legally buy guns - this is called the Terror Gap.
"We have repeatedly called on Congress to close this loophole that makes it easy for dangerous people to get guns & kill. Nothing has changed!!!! People continue to senselessly die. When will these gun laws be changed?!"
Kim - who has children North, two, and Saint, six months, with husband Kanye West - also retweeted a number of posts from other people expressing similar sentiments.
I'm truly at a loss for words. To everyone in Orlando affected by this massacre, my thoughts, love, & prayers are with u ❤️????????????????
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 12, 2016
Omar Mateen, who was previously named on a terrorist watch list and had been interviewed by the FBI, was named as the gunman in the Orlando tragedy, and had reportedly purchased firearms less than two weeks ago.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety - which works towards ending gun violence - a bill to close the so-called 'terror gap' was blocked in the Senate in December 2015.
This isn't the first time the 35-year-old beauty has called for tighter gun control.
Last August, she was horrified to hear reports of David Conley, who allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend Valerie Jackson, her partner, Dwayne Jackson, and her six children by shooting them in the back of the head with a gun he is said to have bought online, and called for a change in the law to prevent such a tragedy happening again.
She tweeted: "Have u heard of the heart breaking story about David Conley who slaughtered his ex girlfriend & her entire family! Her 6 kids,husband & her!
"He purchased the gun & ammo ONLINE! How is it so easy to purchase guns online!!! Does this not sicken you? No background checks needed!!!!!
"These gun safety laws have to change! This poor woman was tied up & saw every child of hers & husband get executed over 10 hours!
"My thoughts & prayers go out to Valerie Jackson's family and friends! #GunLawsHAVEtoChange #GunSafety #BackgroundChecksNecessary (sic)"
And Kim previously admitted she is "scared" of guns.
Asked what she wants to change about the world, she said: "Gun control. "I'm not the type to have them in my house. They scare me so much.
"If I could do something to change the world ... I'm not really a gun person, and we do not have strict enough gun control laws."
At the Tony Awards, James Corden vowed hate would "never win" as he opened with a powerful monologue dedicated to the victims of the shooting.
Before the theatre awards' 'Hamilton'-inspired opening number, James said in a pre-recorded message: "Good evening. All around the world, people are trying to come to terms with the horrific events that took place in Orlando this morning.
"On behalf of the whole theatre community and every person in this room, our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity.
"All we can say is you are not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy. Theatre is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, embraced and loved. Hate will never win. Together, we have to make sure of that. Tonight's show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle."
Earlier in the day, Tony bosses had confirmed the ceremony, which took place at New York's Beacon Theatre, would be dedicated to the Orlando victims, and the tragedy was referenced by a number of the evening's presenters and winners.
The 2016 #TonyAwards are dedicated to those affected by the events in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/ILNbbhxSHD
— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) June 12, 2016
Barbra Streisand - who made her first appearance at the prestigious ceremony in 46 years - made reference to how art can bring "beauty" and "console us" in times of tragedy as she presented the Best Musical Award to 'Hamilton'.
She said as she introduced the accolade: "Tonight our joy is tinged with sorrow. But we're here to celebrate Broadway, and the beauty that artistry can bring into this world.
"I'm very thankful to be in the company of the people in this theatre.
"The artists who write the plays, the composers and lyricists who write the songs, and the actors who bring them to life. Art can entertain us and educate us, and in times like these, console us."
Reactions from the entertainment industry:
Luis Vielma worked on the Harry Potter ride at Universal. He was 22 years old. I can't stop crying. #Orlando pic.twitter.com/Nz2ZCWxNsS
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 13, 2016
Military weapons belong in the military . pic.twitter.com/dXv3hH40dN
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) June 12, 2016
Shocked by the senseless tragedy in Orlando. We must stand together against hate and intolerance.
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) June 13, 2016
Lin-Manuel Miranda accepts #TonyAward with emotional sonnet -- paying tribute to #Orlando nightclub shooting victims https://t.co/c6RBVeaz2L
— CNN Tonight (@CNNTonight) June 13, 2016
The best way to fight hate is with love. I stand with you #Orlando. pic.twitter.com/eolo3nyWcj
— Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) June 13, 2016
Sending love and prayers to #Orlando and all of the friends and families affected by today's tragedy. pic.twitter.com/0OGmnRRibV
— Michael Kors (@MichaelKors) June 13, 2016
Heart broken for the victims and the families of the #Orlando club attack last night. Enough is enough. ???????? pic.twitter.com/amoXzsQyUt
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) June 12, 2016
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