Another mass shooting dominates the editorial cartoon gallery this week, this time in Uvalde, Texas. An 18-year-old gunman barricaded himself in a classroom Tuesday, killing two teachers and 19 children before he was killed by police. By week’s end, questions were being raised about why law enforcement did not immediately storm the Robb Elementary School.
In the lead image, Phil Hands of the Wisconsin State Journal conveys the dread of parents sending their young children to school.
Several artists capture the grief and mourning of the nation, as symbolized by Uncle Sam, including prayers from A. F. Branco and Joey Weatherford. Walt Handelsman bursts the “thoughts and prayers” balloon by drawing a child wishing she had the “action and courage” balloon instead.
Commentary also focuses on the politics of gun restrictions. Dana Summers objects to Texas gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke, a Democrat, interrupting Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s press conference on the shooting. David Horsey draws the 2nd Amendment stained with blood. Drew Sheneman emphasizes the kinds of weapons the Founders envisioned when they wrote the Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
Other topics in the news last week included Nixon Secretary of State Henry Kissinger opining on the Ukraine war; a random subway shooting in New York City; President Joe Biden’s gaffe promising U.S. military support for Taiwan; Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s primary win, overcoming ex-President Donald Trump’s support for his rival; and the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
Cartoons were drawn by Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and A.F. Branco, Mike Luckovich and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate.
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