Stars call for action after Florida shooting: 'We must do more'

Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Celebrities are calling for action following a deadly school shooting in Florida.

Television personality Ellen DeGeneres, reality star Kim Kardashian and actress Reese Witherspoon were among those who spoke out after 17 were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

"No words, no actions, no laws are enough until we end this epidemic of school shootings in our country. My heart is with the students and parents of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School," DeGeneres tweeted.

Kardashian and Witherspoon, who boast 58.8 million and 2.2 million Twitter followers, respectively, urged fans and lawmakers to "do more."

"We owe it to our children and our teachers to keep them safe while at school. Prayers won't do this: action will. Congress, please do your job and protect Americans from senseless gun violence," Kardashian wrote.

"Heartbroken over the news of another school shooting. This is the 18th in 45 days of 2018. Students & teachers shouldn't have to fear for their safety. We must do more to prevent these senseless acts of gun violence. My heart is w/ the people in Parkland, FL. Enough is enough," Witherspoon added.

Josh Gad, known for voicing Olaf in Frozen and playing LeFou in Beauty and the Beast, said the shooting took place in his hometown. He later said a family friend's child was shot during the incident.

"19th school shooting of a year less than two months long. This one on my home town in my home state. How many kids need to die! How many more [expletive] times do we need to hear 'now's not the time to discuss this?' Dozens more? Hundreds more? Thousands? Will it even matter?" the actor wrote.

"Just learned some horrible and shocking news involving a family friend who's son was shot today at the school. Please put out lots of good vibes and prayers for he and all of the other families navigating this nightmarish day," he added.

Actress Gabrielle Union, who is stepmom to husband Dwyane Wade's three sons, also spoke out on Twitter.

"Like thousands in South Florida, we sent the boys to school in Broward County this morning... there are no words to describe the despair, horror & anger. This does not have to be our collective reality. How many more? How many children must not make it home?" she wrote.

Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old former student who had been expelled for "disciplinary reasons," was apprehended after opening fire at the high school just before the dismissal bell. He will face 17 counts of premeditated murder in court Thursday.