Jennifer Lopez, Luis Fonsi and Others React to Parkland Shooting, Demanding Change

The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14 left 17 people dead and a nation grieving and demanding change. Jennifer Lopez and Luis Fonsi are among the Latino celebrities using their enormous platforms to stand by the families and friends of the victims in advocating for gun law reform. On Instagram, the Nuyorican singer and actress wrote and crossed out “Thoughts & Prayers,” replacing it with “Policy & Change” on the day of the tragedy. “The message here is not that we don’t need prayers,” she elaborated, “[it’s] that we need to do more than just think and pray!! We need to demand a safer country for our children and ourselves!! We need to change policy. #guncontrol.”

Lopez, who is mom to twins Max and Emme, 9, posted a news clip highlighting a staggering fact: “The shooting was the 18th in a U.S. school this year, according to gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety.” J.Lo also shared a quote from former U.S. President Barack Obama on the urgent need for a bipartisan solution on gun control: “We don’t have to agree on everything to agree it’s time to do something.”

Puerto Rican star Luis Fonsi, who has two kids, Mikaela, 6 and Rocco, 1, replied to Lopez’s “Policy and Change” post with an “Amen.” The “Despacito” singer posted the same pic on Instagram, writing: “When is this going to stop? This morning I dropped off my daughter at school and my heart was beating out of my chest. May God grant strength to all those affected by this tragedy #ParklandShooting.”

Puerto Rican singer Chayanne, also a dad to two teens, expressed his sorrow and rallied for change on Instagram Feb. 15. “Sad about what happened yesterday at the school in Parkland, FL. My prayers for all the families that are suffering. It’s time to unite to prevent so much disaster. #stopviolence #ParklandSchoolShooting.”

Mexican journalist María Elena Salinas showed her grief by posting a photo of the harrowing scene at the Parkland high school on the day of the massacre: “They suffer and the country suffers,” she wrote. “We share their pain. Right on the day of love and friendship, hate wins at a Florida school where at least 17 are dead. It’s true that people are the ones that kill but while guns remains accessible, we will not be safe even in schools, churches, movie theaters or concerts. May these innocent souls rest in peace.”