Matthew McConaughey made an emotional plea for gun ownership reforms during a White House press conference on Tuesday afternoon after a private meeting between President Joe Biden and McConaughey. The actor, 52, is a Uvalde native. On May 24, Salvador Ramos, 18, shot at Robb Elementary and killed 19 students and two teachers.

McConaughey stated that gun ownership should not be considered partisan, arguing that people in power have failed “to act.”

He said, “We need background checks”, while proposing solutions to outdated gun laws. “We must raise the minimum age for purchasing an AR-15 rifle from 21. These rifles should be kept in storage for a period of time. Red flag laws are needed and there should be consequences for those who misuse them.

“How is it possible that these people’s lives have been lost?” He reflected. “We must recognize that it appears something is different this time.”

McConaughey stated that it was crucial for elected officials from “both sides of the aisles” to communicate with one another in order to find solutions for the American people.

“We are now in a window that offers us a chance to make real change. He said that this window seemed like it could bring about real change and real change.

He said he remembered learning about responsible gun ownership while growing up in a small town in south Texas, approximately 80 miles from Austin.

McConaughey, after hearing about the devastation in his home town, said that he drove home and hugged his children tighter than the night before. McConaughey, his wife Camila Alves, and their three children drove to Uvalde on the next morning.

He said, “Even from inside our vehicle you could feel it in the town.”

After meeting with families who had lost loved ones at Robb Elementary, he shared the tragic stories of victims.

McConaughey recalls a conversation with Alithia’s father Ryan. Ryan remained composed and kept his emotions in check for the sake his family.

McConaughey recalled Ryan saying, “You should be strong for your spouse and children, because if that happens, it will not help them.”

Camila wore a pair green sneakers that belonged to Maite Yuleana, a ten-year old victim to the conference.

McConaughey stated, “These were the exact same Converse shoes on her feet that turned up to be the only clear evidence that can identify her after the shooting,” before he took the podium with a passionate request. McConaughey said, “Make her death matter.”

The gunman used an assault rifle to inflict injuries on at least 17 others before he was shot dead by responding authorities.

McConaughey stated that “responsible gun owners” are fed up with the Second Amendment and encouraged both sides to see the political problem above all else.

He said, “Let’s get to the common table that represents America.” “America, you and I — we’re not as divided as people tell us we are. No.”

He said, “We have to make choices and keep the traditions that will make real progress for the next generation. Let’s give everyone reason to believe the American dream is real. Make the right decisions on the issues that are before us. We begin by making laws.”

Uvalde’s shooting is now the third-most deadly school shooting in American History, following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting where 28 people were killed and the Virginia Tech shooting where 33 people were shot to death in 2007.