Matthew McConaughey Calls for Unity and ‘Gun Responsibility’ at White House Press Briefing

Actor Matthew McConaughey appeared at the White House on Tuesday to call for “gun responsibility measures” in the aftermath of the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting. 

McConaughey, who is from Uvalde, emotionally recounted the stories of the children and teachers who were killed, at one point bringing in shoes similar to those worn by one of the students. “So, we know what’s on the table,” the actor said. “We need to invest in mental healthcare. We need safer schools. We need to restrain sensationalized media coverage. We need to restore our family values. We need to restore our American values. And we need responsible gun ownership.”

Addressing specific gun policies, the actor — who previously considered running for Texas governor and briefly polled higher than Gov. Greg Abbott — advocated for background checks, waiting periods, red-flag laws and a higher minimum age to purchase an AR-15; many of these proposals are being considered by a bipartisan group of Senate negotiators. “As divided as our country is, this gun responsibility issue is one that we agree on more than we don’t,” McConaughey said, adding, “This should not be a partisan issue.”

Coverage was widespread across the spectrum on Tuesday and Wednesday. Despite McConaughey’s use of the phrase “gun responsibility,” several reports across the spectrum said he called for “gun control.” Voices on the right and left often framed McConaughey’s speech favorably.