The Pittsburgh Steelers began organized team activities (OTA's) this week, and there are several storylines to watch for. But as reported by multiple major national news outlets this week, there's a lot more going on in the world than just the start of football.
On Tuesday, at approximately 11:32 am local time in Uvalde, Texas, 19 young children and two adults were murdered in another horrific and tragic school shooting. The gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School before he was killed by law enforcement.
The suspect was 18 years old and reportedly shot his grandmother as well before his rampage per BBC News. According to CBS News, the attacker was wearing body armor as he carried out the attack. This all just comes days after another 18 year old was suspected of a racist grocery store attack in Buffalo, New York on the 14th of May, killing 10 people of color. He was also wearing body armor and carrying a semi-automatic rifle.
It's hard to focus on football when the world (especially here the United States of America), continues to show how much of a dark place it can truly be at times.
All across the league, the teams, players, even voices from the NBA shared their heartbroken concerns of yet another tragedy that has taken place right in our backyard. Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, and defensive captain, Cam Heyward, were just two of many voices that took to Twitter to express their emotions.
I’m heartbroken tonight, we need action!! we need change!!! Pure evil, 18 angels taken from their families. 💔💔#EnoughisEnough
— Alex Highsmith (@highsmith34) May 25, 2022
"I'm heartbroken tonight," the tweet from Highsmith said. "We need action!! We need change!!! Pure evil, 18 angels taken from their families. #EnoughisEnough"
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Derrek Tuszka #48, Cameron Heyward #97 and Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sack Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on November 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
From Buffalo to Texas…. Man this is heartbreaking. We are losing our children, our friends, brothers, sisters, and just so many people who do not deserve this terror. Looking at my children and knowing I can’t always be there for them scares the hell out of me. Change is needed
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) May 24, 2022
"From Buffalo to Texas.... Man this is heartbreaking," Heyward wrote. "We are losing our children, our friends, brothers, sisters, and just so many people who do not deserve this terror. Looking at my children and knowing I can't always be there for them scares the hell out of me. Change is needed."
Our hearts are broken tonight. The NFL family grieves with the families of the children and teacher, and the entire Uvalde community, after today’s horrifying tragedy. We wholeheartedly pledge the NFL’s support.
— NFL (@NFL) May 25, 2022
Our condolences here at SteelerNation.com go out to everyone who has been affected by these recent tragedies. We commend the players, teams, leagues, and coaches for using their platform to shed light on an unfortunate and disturbing ongoing issue that continues to take place in our country -- in efforts to hopefully band together and do something to make it stop.
Thoughts on the recent events? Click to comment below.
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