Ohio Elected Officials React to Horror of Vegas Shootings
Ohio elected officials began their day by offering condolences on Twitter to the victims of the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.
"Our hearts are heavy for the victims of the terrible attack in Las Vegas, their families and for all who have been affected," said Gov. John Kasich.
"Join me in praying for the victims, all those affected, their families, and the first responders & officers on the scene," tweeted Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township, who also posted a phone number for families in Las Vegas to locate missing loved ones. In a second tweet, he called the violence "gut-wrenchingly horrible and beyond unspeakable."
In a statement, Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Upper Arlington, said he was "horrified" to hear about the shooting.
"The local law enforcement and first responders are the heroes of this situation," he said. "To the families who are experiencing unthinkable loss this morning, we stand with you and will be praying for you."
Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Jefferson Township, said she was "absolutely horrified" by the shooting.
"We are praying for those taken from us, their families & all those injured in this attack," tweeted Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.
U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, tweeted: "The actions which occurred in Las Vegas are reprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this grievous tragedy."
Dave Joyce, GOP congressman from northeast Ohio, tweeted: "My deepest condolences for the victims of the horrendous attack in Las Vegas and their families. Thank you to the first responders and concert goers who bravely put their lives in danger to save others. We are standing with Las Vegas."
Long-time Congressman Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati, tweeted: "Praying for all victims and families impacted by the senseless violence in #LasVegas."
The dean of Ohio's congressional delegation, Democrat Marcy Kaptur of Toledo, said: "There are no words for a such a cruel tragedy. My heart breaks for those caught in the violence. We all mourn with the people of Las Vegas."
Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, tweeted that his thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families. "Absolutely tragic news from #LasVegas," he wrote.
Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Wadsworth, a candidate for governor, said on social media, "Thoughts and prayers with victims and their families, and with first responders, doctors, and police working to save others in #LasVegas"
The reaction of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, another gubernatorial hopeful: "Terrible news from #LasVegas. Thinking of all who were killed or injured, and grateful for first responders."
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, also in the running for governor, tweeted: "Devastated, Heartbroken, there are no words to describe our sadness of this senseless massacre. My heart aches for the families & victims."
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, the four GOP gubernatorial candidate, responded: "Take time to tell those close to you that you love them. Tell a stranger. We won't let the actions of a madman stop the world from turning."
Reactions from three of the four announced Democratic candidates for governor:
-Former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton of Medina: "My prayers go out to the victims in Las Vegas and their families. We've seen enough of these senseless and despicable acts of violence."
-Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman: "Last night's shooting is a reminder of the gun violence problem in our country. We must work together now to find solutions at every level."
-Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley: "As we grieve for the victims in Las Vegas, let's declare this tragedy as enough: let's not use just words but let's have action."
House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, tweeted: "Prayers for the victims of last night's shooting in Las Vegas. I stand with my fellow Ohioans in support of Nevada, we are thinking of you."
"My wife, Pam, and I love Las Vegas, and have spent a great deal of time there. I'm heartbroken that such a horrific act of violence occurred. We offer our prayers to the victims and their families, and greatly appreciate the first responders who bravely risked their lives. Now we must take action to address the epidemic of gun violence in this country."
State Rep. Bernadine Kennedy Kent, D-Columbus, said in a press release: "I am thankful to law enforcement for fighting to protect one of our most basic human needs – safety. Though our instinct is to run away from gunfire and bullets, our law enforcement officers run toward the sound of gunfire to save lives; and for that, we are extremely grateful."
President Donald Trump also took to Twitter to say: "My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!"
One of the most poignant tweets came from Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, who returned to the House floor last week after a June mass shooting at an Alexandria, Virginia, baseball field that nearly killed him.
"Jennifer and I are praying for the victims of this unspeakable violence in Las Vegas," he wrote.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona Democrat who in 2011 was badly wounded by a shooter, said, "I know this feeling of heartbreak and horror too well. The massacre in Las Vegas is a grave tragedy for our nation. This must stop — we must stop this."
This article was originally published by The Columbus Dispatch on October 2, 2017.