California Rep. Eric Swalwell tweeted about "good guys with guns" in the aftermath of the mass shooting that took place around Odessa and Midland, Texas, which left seven people dead and over 19 wounded.

The Democratic former presidential candidate tweeted Sunday, "Big shout out to all the civilian “good guys with guns” who saved lives in Odessa. You know who you are," in response to a tweet that advocated for open carry of firearms.

The suspected gunman began his random shooting spree after being pulled over by police. In the ensuing chase, the shooter hijacked a mail truck and continued shooting at random people and vehicles. Police ended the rampage by shooting and killing him.

After the dead suspect was identified, it was revealed he had a criminal record that included pleading guilty to criminal trespassing and evading arrest, both of which are misdemeanors in Texas. He did not receive jail time, but instead got two years of probation.

Big shout out to all the civilian “good guys with guns” who saved lives in Odessa. You know who you are. Thanks a million.



*btw, Texas IS an open carry state. https://t.co/cWTeyEkBrC — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 1, 2019

After the tweet faced backlash, Swalwell defended it, tweeting, "It’s real. So is you and [Sen. Mitch McConell's] culpability" and "Have you lost your heart?"

It’s real. So is you and your boss’s culpability. But you keep doing nothing to protect your Russian & @NRA benefactors. — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 1, 2019

Thanks, #MoscowMitch. Or is it #MassacreMitch? Which do you prefer? — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 1, 2019

No, we lost more children. Have you lost your heart? — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) September 1, 2019

Swalwell mainly ran his presidential bid on increasing gun control, rolling an extensive and ambitious plan outside the National Rifle Association headquarters in Virginia. He dropped out after failing to gain any momentum in the polls after the first set of Democratic primary debates.