YouTube HQ shooting triggers gun control demands, grief from celebs
What's the story
The YouTube shooting incident has re-ignited the debate over gun control. But this time, the shock is manifold: the suspect managed to bring a gun into the office of one of the world's topmost tech companies, so where's security?
Meanwhile, there's been an outpour of sympathy for Google, YouTube's parent company.
CEO Sundar Pichai said he's "grateful to everyone inside and outside the company."
Twitter Post
President Donald Trump thanks law enforcement and First Responders
Was just briefed on the shooting at YouTube’s HQ in San Bruno, California. Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved. Thank you to our phenomenal Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders that are currently on the scene.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2018
Gun control
'Thoughts and prayers' not enough, say gun control activists
"Praying for the injured & their families. Grateful to ATF and all law enforcement & first responders," tweeted Vice President Mike Pence.
But "no one needs or wants your thoughts and prayers," said actor Bette Midler.
"Concerts. Airports. Shopping areas. Churches. Schools. And now work places...This is an American problem. People of @YouTube, we are with you," said Carmen Lo, a Parkland shooting survivor.
Twitter Post
'March for Our Lives' extends support
Our hearts are with you, @YouTube. pic.twitter.com/zD63Wn0vTC
— March For Our Lives (@AMarch4OurLives) April 3, 2018
YouTubers
'This one hits close to home': Popular YouTubers express grief
Popular YouTubers offered sympathy. "Unbelievably upset & sick..I have been inside that building & it's scary to even say that..We need change...now!" said Jake Paul.
"I'm hoping for a hasty recovery to all affected today and hoping for gun control soon," posted Thomas Sanders
"I don't even know what to say anymore about shootings, but this one hits close to home," tweeted Jenn McAllister.
Twitter Post
'Every morning I expect to hear about another shooting'
My heart is heavy knowing that every morning I wake up and just expect to hear about another shooting in our country. This shouldn’t be normal. We need change. 💔
— Colleen Ballinger🎗 (@ColleenB123) April 3, 2018
Peers
Apple, Twitter, Amazon send best wishes
Other tech giants also offered support. "From everyone at Apple, we send our sympathy and support to the team at YouTube and Google, especially the victims and their families," said CEO Tim Cook.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with our friends and colleagues in San Bruno," the Twitter team posted.
"Horrible and truly tragic day for YouTube and Google," tweeted Amazon's Jeff Bezos.
Twitter Post
Microsoft CEO offers condolences
On behalf of all of Microsoft, our hearts are with everyone at YouTube and Google today and all those affected. https://t.co/dijMxGXGpD
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) April 4, 2018
'I know you are in shock': Pichai tells Googlers
Pichai sent a mail to all Google employees about the "horrific act of violence": "We're doing everything we can to support them and their families," it said.
"Over the coming days, we will continue to provide support to help everyone in our Google family heal from this unimaginable tragedy."
"Let's everyone come together to support Susan (Wojcicki, YouTube CEO) and the YouTube team."
Twitter Post
The full text of the mail
Here is the note that @sundarpichai just sent to Googlers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/bdC6KeTl9c
— Google Communications (@Google_Comms) April 3, 2018