The recent horrific massacre in Allen, Texas, has sparked widespread condemnation from elected officials nationwide. In response, President Biden has reiterated his plea for gun control measures, despite the lack of legislative action following previous mass shootings.

“Such an attack is too shocking to be so familiar,” Biden, a Democrat, said of Saturday’s shooting, in which nine were killed, including the suspect.

“Once again I ask Congress to send me a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines,” the president added, rattling off other priorities in his statement.

Among the proposed measures are laws mandating universal background checks for individuals purchasing firearms and regulations for safe storage of weapons.

President Biden also singled out Republican lawmakers, who have consistently resisted efforts to enact stricter gun control measures.

“Republican members of Congress cannot continue to meet this epidemic with a shrug,” he stated. “Tweeted thoughts and prayers are not enough.”

The responses from politicians, ranging from Austin to Washington, followed predictable partisan divisions.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, dismissed the calls for gun control and instead emphasized the importance of focusing on mental health issues for authorities.

“We are working to address that anger and violence by going to its root cause, which is addressing the mental health problems behind it,” Abbott told “Fox News Sunday.” “People want a quick solution. The long-term solution here is to address the mental health issue.”

The tragic massacre at the outlet mall in Allen occurred just a little over a week after another devastating incident in Cleveland, Texas, where five individuals were killed in what was described as an “execution-style” attack. As of Sunday afternoon, the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organization, reported that the United States had already witnessed 200 mass shootings this year.

Beto O’Rourke, a Democrat who ran an unsuccessful campaign against Governor Abbott last year, expressed his determination to continue exerting pressure on Republicans who have opposed gun control measures.

“We pray for the [victims’] families as we continue working to replace those in power with leaders who value the lives of our kids more than the profits of the gun lobby,” O’Rourke tweeted.

Polls consistently show strong voter support for universal background checks, with many backing an assault weapons ban, too.

Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the latest mass shooting, limited action is anticipated from Washington. The House is under Republican control, while Democrats hold a slim majority in the Senate.

In the previous year, Congress managed to pass certain gun reform legislation, including stricter background checks for young individuals purchasing firearms. However, more stringent measures have failed to make progress.

“We must keep working to end gun violence in America,” tweeted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “We must keep working for stronger gun safety legislation.”

The Allen shooting barely registered on the Sunday political talk shows, leaving many lawmakers to confine their thoughts to Twitter.

“Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas,” tweeted Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who’s previously opposed gun control. “We pray also for the broader Collin County community that’s in shock from this tragedy.”