Matthew McConaughey Speaks at the White House to Plead For Gun Control

"This moment is different," said Matthew McConaughey during a White House Press Briefing on Tuesday, June 7.

The actor and Uvalde native addressed the American people following the May 24 school shooting in Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were slaughtered.

"We are in a window of opportunity right now that we have not been in before," he added. "A window where it seems like real change, real change can happen."

McConaughey's remarks lasted for 20 minutes, where he shared the stories of the victims, including Maite Yuleana Rodriguez, a budding conservationist who was killed in the shooting. She was 10 years old.

"Maite wore green high-top Converse with a heart she had hand-drawn on the right toe because they represented her love for nature," he said.

The actor added, slamming his fist on the podium in anger. "That turned out to be the only clear evidence that could identify her after the shooting."

"Can both sides rise above?" McConaughey asked. "Can both sides see beyond the political problem at hand and admit that we have a life preservation problem on our hands?"

Watch his full remarks below:

Lead photo from @officiallymcconaughey