Steve Kerr was visibly distraught and angry Tuesday evening, condemning senators, especially Republican leader Mitch McConnell. The decision to not act on gun legislation came hours after gunman shot 18 children and three adults in Uvalde, a west Texas elementary school.

“When will we do anything?” Kerr was the Golden State Warriors head coach. He shouted this at a press conference just before his team faced the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth round of the NBA’s Western Conference finals. Both teams were in Dallas over 300 miles from where the massacre occurred.

“I ask you, Mitch McConnell, I ask all of you senators who refuse to do anything about the violence and school shootings and supermarket shootings – I ask you, are you going to put your own desire for power ahead of the lives of our children and our elderly and our churchgoers?” He replied. He said, “Because it’s how it looks.”

Kerr refused to talk about basketball in his comments. He was also speaking of a massacre at Buffalo’s grocery store 10 days ago, when a racist gunman attacked mostly Black customers. Also, a California hate crime investigation is underway into an attack on Asian parishioners at the California church. Both happened within two weeks.

Additionally, he mentioned HR8, an act that would broaden background checks to gun purchase. The Democratic-controlled House passed it in 2019, but the measure would need to clear the 60-vote filibuster threshold in the evenly divided Senate. Many attempts to restrict gun access have been blocked by Republicans who are supported by the National Rifle Association.

Kerr explained that “we’re being held captive by 50 senators from Washington who refuse even to put it up for a vote, in spite of what we, as the American people want.” They won’t even vote for it because they are determined to keep their power. It’s pathetic.”

Kerr delivered his remarks shortly after President Joe BidenTuesday night, he addressed the nation. As a nation, we must question when God’s Name is going to allow us to confront the gun lobby. “When in God’s Name will we do the things we know we must do? the president said.

Golden State Warriors official TwitterKerr’s plea for change in gun violence was shared by YouTube users. Joe Lacob, venture capitalist and majority owner, is the team’s most important shareholder.

Kerr lost his father Malcolm Kerr in a gun battle in Lebanon. He was serving as the president of American University of Beirut. Former NBA basketball player, Kerr has frequently spoken out on social issues. He has also been a strong advocate for gun control.

Kerr stated Tuesday night, “We cannot get numb” to the situation.