A Republican U.S. Congressman has received a campaign donation of “thoughts and prayers,” in the wake of a deadly school shooting that claimed seventeen lives and wounded fourteen others last week.
“Since you and your colleagues in Congress seem to feel that this is the solution to mass murder, please accept this contribution,” a note reads. The check is filled out with the relevant information but where the dollar amount should be written, constituent Fern Malila entered “thoughts and prayers,” instead.
The note and check were sent to Congressman Jack Bergman, of Michigan’s first district. Malila reportedly posted about her donation on her Facebook page, but the post is no longer publicly available.
Bergman responded to the shooting on Twitter by writing that “as a father and grandfather, the tragic news out of Florida is incomprehensible. Our hearts are with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and all students, victims, families, and first responders in South Florida.”
In the wake of the Parkland shooting Democrats have called for renewed efforts to pass gun-control legislation. Republicans believe any legislative efforts should be focused on strengthening America’s mental health system instead.