The Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks opened their Game 5 matchup at Chase Center with a moment of acknowledgement for the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Tex. on Tuesday.
“Words cannot adequately describe the pain and anguish the families and friends of each of those innocent children and adults are experiencing at this moment and the huge hole it leaves in the hearts of our entire country,” an announcement read over the PA system.
Fans and viewers were then directed to resources dedicated to ending gun violence, including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Giffords -- the organization founded by former U.S. congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a gunshot survivor herself -- and LIVE FREE.
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The announcement ended with a call to action, saying “change starts at the ballot box,” followed by instructions for information of voter registration status.
Uvalde, located five-and-a-half hours south of Dallas, was the site of the second-deadliest U.S. school shooting among elementary, middle and high schools on record, killing 19 children and two adults. This tragedy has sparked outrage around the world, including within sports.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his anguish in a press conference hours after the shooting, criticizing inaction on the part of politicians who refused to vote on HR8, a bill that would enhance background checks on gun purchases.
Warriors guard Damion Lee added his disbelief over the fact that it’s “easier to buy a gun than baby formula…”
This is a live update. Click here for complete coverage of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.