By Aaron Miller-
A Republican Senator has been filmed desperately trying to run away as he was questioned about gun control.
Senator Roy Johnson, who represents Wisconsin, avoided a question about background checks by a CNN reporter following the tragic massacre of 19 students and two teachers at a Texas elementary school.
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The reporter asked Senator Johnson: “In wake of the shooting, why not extend background checks, including on firearms and gun sales?”
Johnson walked into a locked door and down the hall to an unlocked door, ignoring the reporter.
His actions were worse than that of Ted Cruz, who also could not answer questions from a Sky News reporter about gun control, but at least made an attempt.
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The question for Cruz came after a vigil on Wednesday for the victims of the massacre in Uvalde, Tex., he stormed away from an interview after he was asked by a British journalist why mass shootings happen “only in America.”
Cruz joined Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and other local and state leaders at a vigil for the 19 children and two adults killed in the Tuesday mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.
Cruz is against proposals from Democrats on expanding background checks on gun sales and has condemned “political posturing” in the aftermath of the attack. He is also the lawmaker whose campaigns or political action committees have accepted the most money from the gun rights lobby, according to the nonprofit OpenSecrets.
During an interview with British Sky News reporter Mark Stone, Cruz, who was asked whether this was the moment to reform gun laws. Cruz responded by saying, “You know, it’s easy to go to politics.”
Stone proceeded to ask, “Why does this only happen in your country? …. Why only in America? Why is this American exceptionalism so awful?”
Cruz responded: “You know, I’m sorry you think American exceptionalism is awful. You’ve got your political agenda. God love you.”
As he attempted to walk away, Stone said he just wanted “to understand why you do not think that guns are the problem.”
“It is just an American problem,” the journalist said to Cruz.
According to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Johnson has received $1,269,486 in donations from the National Rifle Association.
No wonder he kept tight-lipped about rules that could affect the NRA.
Other Republicans who have received significant donations includes Richard Burr ($6,987,380), Roy Blunts ($4,555,722), and Thom Tillis ($4,421,333).
While many Americans, regardless of political preference, have called for gun reform or at least tighter background checks, the NRA deflected blame for the incident at Robb Elementary School in Texas.
In a statement, they said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the families and victims involved in this horrific and evil crime.
“On behalf of our members, we salute the courage of school officials, first responders and others who offered their support and services.”
They added: “Although an investigation is underway and facts are still emerging, we recognise this was the act of a lone, deranged criminal.
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