Stephen Colbert and James Corden Urge Lawmakers to 'Show a Modicum of Courage' After Texas Shooting

On Tuesday night, late night hosts Stephen Colbert and James Corden addressed the the tragic shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, in which a gunman killed at least 19 children and two adults.

“Shortly before I came out here tonight, we learned of the unspeakable shooting in Uvalde, Texas, today," said Colbert. "And while we can add our prayers for the dead, there is nothing that could ever be said that can approach the immeasurable grief of those families. But while we’re at it, let’s pray this time our leaders show a modicum of courage in trying to prevent this from ever happening again.”

Colbert went on to express his doubts that lawmakers will enact meaningful change to prevent a similar tragedy, as politicians have once again offered their "thoughts and prayers," and little else.

“Prayers won’t end this, voting might,” Colbert said. “So when you vote, ask yourself this question: Who running for office has publicly stated that they’re willing to do anything and everything in their power to protect your children from the criminally insane number of guns in America?”

Later Tuesday, Corden made a similar plea. “I don’t know what has to happen to change things here,” he said. “I am constantly shocked by the number of people who must think that this is an okay byproduct to never make meaningful changes to gun laws. And it doesn’t make sense to me. This doesn’t reflect the country that I think America is.”

Corden then pointed out that in just the first five months of 2022 so far, there have been 27 school shootings and 212 mass shootings. Meanwhile, countries like England, Japan, and Australia have had zero school shootings. As Corden explained, the US "is one of the most backwards places in the world” when it comes to gun reform.

“Words of thoughts and prayers will come from our leaders, but I fear change never will,” Corden said. “I hold out hope that this country will eventually wake up and change this senseless gun culture, while my heart simply goes out to everyone in Texas tonight.”

Other late night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers, taped their Tuesday shows before learning of the Texas shooting, so they were unable to address the news on air.

Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.