Are "thoughts and prayers" enough?

Not according to Twitter users, who are criticizing politicians in Alabama and elsewhere for tweeting "prayers," "condolences" and/or "thoughts" for the victims of a Sunday night massacre in Las Vegas. For these Twitter users, the reaction from politicians over the shooting underscores their frustrations in the nation's long-simmering battle over gun control legislation.

The reaction comes after Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on a crowd of 22,000 people attending a Jason Aldean concert outside Mandalay Bay Casino, killing 58 and injuring more than 500. Paddock killed himself as law enforcement arrived at his 32-floor hotel room.

The criticism on social media has been directed at Republicans including U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, and U.S. Reps. Bradley Byrne, Roger Aderholt, Mike Rogers, Martha Roby, and Gary Palmer. Democrats, such as Rep. Terri Sewell, are also facing frustrated Twitter users who are pushing for tighter gun control. Rep. Mo Brooks has not posted his thoughts.

Please explain your continued votes against assault weapons bans. Thoughts and prayers aren't cutting it for sensible Americans. — Beck McDowell (@BeckMcDowell) October 2, 2017

Your words are hollow until you take action. Action you were elected to and have the moral obligation to take. — Nathan M (@aukraine06) October 2, 2017

You're part of the problem, don't think your prayers are part of the solution. — TangledUpInBlue (@elynnhardi1) October 2, 2017

If only there was something you could do as a law maker to try to prevent these things from happening...hmmmm... — Gunter "Very Legal & Very Cool" Moon (@GunterMoon) October 2, 2017

Do something. — Rachel Curry (@rachelscurry1) October 2, 2017

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, directly addressed his congressional colleagues on Twitter, by saying their "cowardice to act cannot be whitewashed." He had more colorful words for Congress in interviews Monday.

To my colleagues: your cowardice to act cannot be whitewashed by thoughts and prayers.



None of this ends unless we do something to stop it. — Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) October 2, 2017

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also announced via Twitter she was ordering all flags at half-staff. But in a separate tweet about prayer, she, too, faced the critics:

Push for stricter gun laws in Alabama. — Heather (@Heather_AF_) October 2, 2017

State Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, tweeted that he believes stricter gun enforcement is "not the answer" but that "Jesus is." His tweet drew the following reaction: