UC Santa Barbara Rampage: Victim's Father Slams NRA, Celebs Tweet About "Horrifying" Tragedy That Left 7 Dead

Many celebs linked to the news conference at which Rich Martinez, the father of one of the kids killed, assails "craven irresponsible politicians"

By Natalie Finn May 25, 2014 6:51 PMTags
UCSB ShootingSpencer Weiner/Getty Images

Families of all sizes—including the family made up of students and faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara—are in mourning.

A candlelight vigil was held last night for the six victims of a deadly stabbing and shooting rampage that police say was carried out by 22-year-old Elliot Rodger, whose father, Peter Rodger, was a second-unit director on The Hunger Games. Rodgers fatally shot himself before authorities could reach him, bringing the total dead to seven.

"We are here to share our sorrow, shock and pain," UCSB Chancellor Henry T. Yang addressed the hundreds who gathered Saturday in Isla Vista in tribute. "We will continue to draw strength and comfort from each other."

The investigation into what happened, including the revelation that family members had contacted authorities prior to the shooting with concerns about Rodgers' mental health, is ongoing.

Athletes and celebs have weighed in on the tragedy as well, noting the senselessness and sadness and, at times, bringing politics into the mix.

Anchorman director Adam McKay was just one of many who also linked to a video of an emotional statement made by the father of shooting victim Christopher Martinez that singled out the National Rifle Association and the current state of U.S. gun laws.

"Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven irresponsible politicians and the NRA," Rich Martinez said. "They talk about gun rights. What about Chris's right to live? When will this insanity stop? When will enough people say 'Stop this madness, we don't have to live like this'? Too many have died. We should say to ourselves, not one more."

Here's a sampling of the tweets: