"Sick Bastard": Political scandal at press conference after shooting in Texas

Created: 05/26/2022, 13:50

By: Christoph Gschossmann

Beto O'Rourke speaks to the media following his altercation with Greg Abbott.

He was dubbed a "sick bastard" by bystanders.

© William Luther / Imago Images

The Uvalde killing spree moves America.

A Republican's attitude at a press conference was too much for a Democrat - it came to a head.

Munich/Uvalde – Uvalde's shooting spree in Texas put the United States into a state of shock.

19 children and two teachers are dead. 17 other people were injured, including three police officers.

At a press conference by Governor Gregg Abbott, one could sense how touched people are - in the person of Democrat Beto O'Rourke.

The politician interrupted the Republican's ongoing event.

He had stated that stricter laws were not the solution to prevent killing sprees.

O'Rourke burst out: He stepped in front of Abbot's podium and criticized him for his stance on gun laws.

Suddenly O'Rourke was the target - he was attacked by bystanders.

"I can't believe you're some sick bastard trying to turn something like this into a political issue," one man yelled at him.

But some bystanders also demanded: "Let him speak!"

Political scandal Texas: Beto O'Rourke escorted out of the building

O'Rourke was quickly taken into custody and escorted out of the building.

Outside the building, O'Rourke told reporters it was "crazy" that an 18-year-old could legally purchase an AR-15 assault rifle.

For years, a tightening of gun laws in the United States has failed due to disagreement between Republicans and Democrats.

O'Rourke is Abbot's direct competitor in Texas and is challenging him in the November election.