‘Step up and be a human’: Stephanie Ruhle challenges Marco Rubio to ‘do something’ about gun violence

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle called out Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) for equivocating on gun violence following a school shooting in his state.

A 19-year-old killed 17 students and teachers Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and Rubio cautioned not to "jump to conclusions" that any law could have prevented the carnage.

"I think you can always have that debate," Rubio said. "But if you're going to have that debate about this particular incident you should know the facts of that incident before you run out and prescribe some law that you claim could have prevented it."

"Morning Joe" co-host Mika Brzezinski wrapped up Thursday's program by challenging Rubio and other lawmakers who argue after each mass shooting that it's inappropriate to politicize gun violence.

"Hearing anybody in Washington saying now is not the time is (getting) old, it's been used too many times," Brzezinski said. "There are too many bodies in the wake of this conversation that we can't have at this appropriate time. I'd say to Marco Rubio, step up, be a man, talk about it right now. Or to anybody else who tries to deflect the question about what to do about guns and assault weapons in our society, step up, be a man, talk about it and stop thinking about the NRA and your next campaign donation. Just stop. Everyone knows what you're doing -- it's time."

Brzezinski turned over MSNBC programing to Ruhle, who continued challenging Rubio by name.

"Thanks so much, Mika, thanks, Joe (Scarborough)," Ruhle said. "And to Marco Rubio, you don't have to step up and be a man -- step up and be a human."