Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, said the “terrible” shooting Wednesday morning in which two reporters were killed is another example of gun violence that is “becoming all too common.”
“Obviously, the thoughts and prayers of everyone here at the White House are with the families of those who were injured or killed in that terrible incident,” Earnest told the press in a news conference Wednesday.
Two journalists for Virginia TV station WDBJ were shot during a live newscast Wednesday morning. Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward died shortly after the shooting in Moneta, Virginia. Their interview subject, Vicki Gardner, was reported to be in stable condition, according to CNN.
“This is another example of gun violence that is becoming all too common in communities large and small all across the United States,” Earnest said. “And while there is no piece of legislation that will end all violence in this country, there are some common-sense things that only Congress can do that we know would have a tangible impact in reducing gun violence in this country. Congress could take those steps that would not infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans.”
Earnest said he had not spoken to President Obama about the incident.
Watch some of Earnest’s comments from the Associated Press:
