Suburban members of Congress react to Las Vegas shooting
Suburban members of Congress spoke out Monday in response to the mass shooting in Las Vegas.
Here are their statements:
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Hoffman Estates Democrat
"My heart goes out to the victims of the tragic shooting in Las Vegas last night and their loved ones. Such senseless and horrifying acts of violence have no place in America or any other nation. The law enforcement officers and first responders who put their lives on the line to protect others deserve our solemn thanks for their bravery and courage in the face of the deadliest shooting in our country's history."
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, Naperville Democrat
"We woke up to unimaginable news this morning. We stand in solidarity with Las Vegas today. We will mourn those we lost too soon and will keep their families and friends close to our hearts. But we cannot accept these tragedies as normal. There is no reason why a fun night at a concert should turn into a death sentence. We owe it to the memory of everyone who died to make sure we do everything we can to prevent another mass shooting."
"This morning, we woke up to horrific news of a senseless attack in Las Vegas, with more than 50 lives taken in an act of pure evil. I send my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. And my thoughts and prayers are with the injured and all those involved in this tragedy."
U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, Plano Republican, via Twitter
"Horrific attack in Las Vegas, and a senseless targeting of the innocent. We mourn with the families and victims."
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Manteno Republican
"Thank you to the first responders, local law enforcement, and the medical personnel in Las Vegas - their work and heroic actions saved lives. As a nation, we mourn this horrific, senseless tragedy and we stand together against this vile act of hate."
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Schaumburg Democrat
"I condemn in the strongest terms the violence and carnage we witnessed in Las Vegas. As our nation processes this senseless violence, I'm reminded of Fred Rogers' advice to find hope even in the darkest of times. In any tragedy, he urged us, 'look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' The courage and bravery shown by police and first responders is a beacon of hope amidst a scene of unimaginable devastation. In the wake of this tragedy, I hope we'll all be able to take the time to look for the helpers and that each of us, in our own way, will seek to help our nation heal, move forward, and work to prevent similar tragedies."
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, Chicago Democrat
"I never thought I'd wake up this morning to the news of the deadliest shooting in U.S. history; but unfortunately, this devastation is all too familiar. I join the world in expressing my deepest sympathies for the victims and their families in last night's heartbreaking attack. Many have asked when is the time to discuss gun violence prevention. The answer is yesterday, today, and always. There is no doubt the absence of smart gun laws plays a leading role in these attacks. We can and must do better."
U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, Wheaton Republican
"Our nation has - once again - been anguished by the tragic news of a horrific attack on our citizens. As our nation's heroes took to the stage at a family-friendly music festival in Las Vegas, the heinous and violent actions of an evil man stole the futures of dozens of our fellow Americans; in his final, ultimate act of cowardice, this hateful individual took his own life. The actions of hundreds of first responders - including police, firemen and medical personnel - and fellow concert-goers saved dozens of lives and emanated the very best of humanity in the shadow of ultimate evil."
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Evanston Democrat
"Unspeakable violence terrorized and devastated Las Vegas last night. I cannot imagine the fear and horror that was experienced by tens of thousands of concertgoers outside of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. My thoughts today are with every victim, anyone injured, all those in attendance, and anyone whose loved ones were affected by this national tragedy.
"Only a year and a few months after the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, our country has a harrowing new record for the worst mass shooting in our history. Back home in Chicago, our city has seen close to 500 people murdered by guns so far in 2017. As a country, we cannot accept this as the new normal. Gun violence is a scourge and an epidemic, and it requires bold legislative action. We cannot continue to make excuses. Federal comprehensive gun safety legislation must be a national priority."
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Deerfield Democrat
"I'm horrified by the senseless shooting last night in Las Vegas. This violence sears our hearts and leaves countless families forever, tragically changed. I extend my sincere condolences to all those who lost loved ones and send prayers for recovery to those wounded. And I'm grateful for the professionalism and bravery of law enforcement and first responders during and after this attack."
"Words and prayers are not enough for Las Vegas and other victims of gun violence across our country. We must come together to tackle this epidemic. Enough is enough."