A heartbroken father blamed the “craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA” for a gunman’s bloody rampage through Santa Barbara, Calif., on Friday night that left six victims dead.
Chris Martinez, 20, was fatally shot at a deli by Elliot Rodger, 22, as part of a violent killing spree in Isla Vista, a community near the University of California, police said. Mr. Rodger reportedly also stabbed three males at his residence and shot two other women. He died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Richard Martinez, Chris Martinez’s father, expressed his rage to reporters Saturday afternoon outside a sheriff’s department, ABC News reported.
“Our family has a message for every family out there. You don’t think it will happen to your child, until it does,” Mr. Martinez said, almost shouting. “His death has left our family lost and broken.”
“Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA. They talk about gun rights. What about Chris’ right to live? When will this insanity stop? When will enough people say stop this madness,” Mr. Martinez said, ABC News reported.
“We should say to ourselves, not one more,” the distraught father said before walking off.
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• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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