In the wake of yesterday's mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas – in which 19 students and two adults were killed – actor Matthew McMcConaughey, who hails from the town, has issued a statement.

In a post shared on his social media accounts, McConaughey describes mass shootings in the U.S. as "an epidemic we can control" – and notes that, "whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better."

Read his full statement below:

"As you are all aware, there was another mass shooting today, this time in my home town of Uvalde, Texas. Once again we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us.

"The true call to action is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror, and ask ourselves, ‘What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state and neighborhood tomorrow?’ We cannot exhale once again, make excuses, and accept these tragic realities as the status quo

"As Americans, Texans, mothers and fathers, it’s time we re-evaluate and renegotiate our wants from our needs. We have to rearrange our values and find a common ground above this devastating American reality that has tragically become our children’s issue.

"This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better. We must do better. Action must be taken so that no parent has to experience what the parents in Uvalde and the others before them have endured.

"And to those who dropped off their loved ones today not knowing it was goodbye, no words can comprehend or heal your loss, but if prayers can provide comfort we will keep them coming."

According to CNN, before Tuesday, there had been at least 39 shootings in schools, colleges and universities in the U.S. in 2022 – resulting in at least 10 deaths and 51 injuries.

March For Our Lives – a youth-led movement, formed after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that aims to "eliminate the epidemic of gun violence" – have also issued a statement following the Uvalde shooting.

"Our hearts are utterly and completely broken," they write. "This sickening tragedy is the violent reality we've grown up to expect. We deserve joy and life, and we will fight like hell for it. We mourn for those lost and wish peace for the families of children and teachers grieving in Uvalde, Texas.

"Here we are again, saying the same thing: the disgusting and shameful fact in America is that another shooting like this was just a matter of time because of our political leaders' breathtaking disregard for our lives. We are enraged at the politicians who stand in the way of lifesaving change on both sides of the aisle. You've put a target on our backs. Let's be clear that this was a preventable tragedy. The regular mass murder of children like this is only 'normal' in America. You can't stop a bullet with thoughts and prayers. To honour those lost and save countless more lives, we need action. We're dying while we wait for it."

Our hearts are utterly and completely broken. You can’t stop a bullet with thoughts and prayers. To honor those lost and save countless lives, we need action. We’re dying while we wait for it. pic.twitter.com/6sF8FL2sjr

— March For Our Lives ☮️ (@AMarch4OurLives) May 24, 2022