'This is on you': Beto O'Rourke confronts Abbott, Cruz at Texas school shooting press conference

UVALDE, Texas — Less than one day after a massacre, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke confronted Gov. Greg Abbott on his gun record and then got into a heated exchange with officials gathered for a news conference before law enforcement ordered O'Rourke to leave.

On Tuesday, an 18-year-old gunman identified as Salvador Ramos by officials entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and opened fire with a legally purchased AR-15. Nineteen students and two teachers were fatally shot, and Ramos was killed by police.

Abbott, who has long been condemned by the left for his gun policy record, held a press conference at Uvalde High School to address Tuesday's violence. Other officials on stage included Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

After Abbott's initial remarks, O'Rourke approached the stage and addressed officials gathered to speak.

"This is on you. Until you choose to do something different, this will continue to happen," O'Rourke said to Abbott. "Somebody needs to stand up for the children of this state or they will continue to be killed just like they were killed in Uvalde yesterday."

'Tragic and senseless': 19 children killed in Texas elementary school shooting; gunman dead

Helping Uvalde: Here's how you can help those affected by the Texas school shooting in Uvalde

Live updates: Texas school rampage victims were inside one classroom; shooter locked the door

Shouts from others on stage and in the audience could be heard condemning O'Rourke for interrupting Abbott. Law enforcement escorted O'Rourke out of the auditorium.

O'Rourke is running for governor against Abbott in November.

Follow Grace Griffin on Twitter: @GraceMGriffin.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Beto O'Rourke slams Gov. Abbott in Texas shooting press conference