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In the aftermath of yet another tragic American mass shooting — the second mass shooting that has killed more than 20 people in just over a month — policymakers and influential political figures are once again offering their thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tragedy, without actually committing to implementing policy that could stop these events from occurring in the first place. One such influential figure, Ivanka Trump, responded to the Texas shooting in similar fashion.
"God bless the people of Sutherland Springs, TX," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Our country’s hearts are breaking for the victims & their families. We love & are with you!
Critics on Twitter were quick to point out that Ivanka's condolences mean very little when the First Daughter and senior advisor to the President has not advocated for gun control legislation in the past, or spoken out about gun violence except to offer sympathy in the wake of national tragedies.
"Does daddy know your heart breaks for victims of gun violence," one user wrote. "Because maybe ... something can be done about gun control." Another user responded, "How about telling our congress to stop protecting #NRA and start protecting the Americans being gunned down in church."
Trump, who is a member of her father's administration and even has her own West Wing office, has offered blessings and prayers to victims of numerous violent incidents over the past few years, but has not given any specific policy recommendations for how to create change. Given that so many gun-related deaths continue to occur in the United States with alarming frequency, many believe that her response is growing stale.
In fact, here are a few times Trump has given a similar response to violent attacks.
The Sutherland Springs, Texas, Church Shooting
A gunman opened fire on a Texas Baptist Church, killing more than 20 people who had attended a weekly worship service.
The New York City Vehicle Attack
A motorist with suspected ties to ISIS rammed a car into a bicycle lane in New York City, killing eight pedestrians.
A gunman opened fire on a country music festival from a nearby hotel, killing over 50 concert-goers in the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.
The Barcelona Terror Attack
In August, a van driver plowed through a crowd on Las Ramblas, a popular tourist area, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.
The Congressional Baseball Shooting
Four individuals, including Republican House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, were shot at a Congressional baseball practice in Virginia. The individuals were reportedly targeted by the gunman based on their political affiliation.
The London Bridge Attack
More than six people were killed and 20 people injured when a van swerved into pedestrians on a busy London road in an alleged terror attack.
The Manchester Concert Attack
In May, an attacker detonated an explosive at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, killing more than 20 people.
The Ohio State University Knife Attack
A student at Ohio State University student carried out a knife attack on campus that left 11 people hospitalized.
The Dallas Police Shootings
Five Dallas police officers were shot and killed at a rally against police brutality in the major Texas city.
The Berlin Christmas Market Attack
A popular Christmas market in Berlin was devastated by a terror attack when a car deliberately crashed through the busy streets during the holidays.
The Boston Marathon Bombing
Two homemade bombs were detonated near the finish line of the popular annual marathon, killing three and injuring hundreds.
It's worth noting that Trump offers the same statement in response to natural disasters. In the wake of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico City that killed more than 200 people in September, Trump tweeted that she was "praying" and "sending love" to the victims, and as Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc in New Jersey in 2012, Trump offered her "thoughts & prayers."
But gun violence is not a naturally occurring phenomenon: In addition to offering their thoughts and prayers, Trump and other influential policymakers have the ability to do something to stop it.
