Just moments after Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey delivered a moving speech at the White House press briefing on Tuesday about gun control in the wake of the Texas school massacre in his hometown, a journalist was heard questioning: “Were you grandstanding?”

Matthew McConaughey, who hails from Uvalde, teared up as he addressed reporters.

“We are in a window of opportunity right now that we have not been in before. A window where it seems like real change, real change can happen,” McConaughey said.

“I’m here today in the hopes of applying what energy, reason and passion that I have into trying to turn this moment into a reality. Because as I said, this moment is different,” he added.

The ‘Interstellar’ star banged the podium as well, when he narrated the story of the 10-year-old victim whose body could only be identified by the green sneakers that she had on. 

“Due to the exceptionally large exit wounds of an AR-15 rifle. Most of the bodies were so mutilated that only DNA tests or green Converse could identify them,” he said.

“We need background checks. We need to raise the minimum age to purchase assault rifles to 21. We need red flag laws,” he continued.

“We want secure and safe schools and we want gun laws that won’t make it so easy for the bad guys to get the damn guns,” McConaughey said.

Also Read: Who is Camila Alves McConaughey?

As the 52-year-old concluded his speech and started walking towards the briefing room exit, a male voice, among a chorus of other journalists was heard, asking if the actor had been “grandstanding.”

Also Read: Uvalde shooting victims launch action against gunmaker, threaten lawsuit

According to news outlet Mediaite, sources have said that the question was asked by Newsmax chief White House correspondent James Rosen.