Civic Register
| 10.2.17

U.S. Leaders Respond To Vegas Tragedy - What’s Your Response?

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What They Said

Senators, Representatives, Presidents, Ex-Presidents, Vice Presidents and Presidential hopefuls all offered their condolences in the wake of the shooting in Las Vegas that claimed 58 lives. Some also used the opportunity - or didn’t - to discuss gun legislation.

President Trump:

"My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock, and grief," Trump said in his speech from the White House. Trump also thanked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and first responders “for their courageous efforts.” The President closed his remarks saying he prayed "the day when evil is banished and the innocent are safe."

Trump has ordered that "our great flag be flown at half-staff."

Earlier in the morning, Trump tweeted his condolences:

Vice President Mike Pence issued a three-tweet statement:

First Lady Melania Trump:

Nevada Democratic Sen. Cortez Masto:

Nevada Republican Sen. Dean Heller:

Nevada republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, after tweeting earlier in the morning about a "tragic & heinous act of violence," has put out a call for blood donations:

While the President did not mention guns in his speech, other politicians did.

Both of Connecticut’s Senators, who championed gun control after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012 that killed 20 children and six teachers, had this to say:

Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal:

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy:

Later in the morning, Murphy released a longer statement about the Vegas shooting, calling out Congress for its failure to act on gun legislation.

"This must stop. It is positively infuriating that my colleagues in Congress are so afraid of the gun industry that they pretend there aren't public policy responses to this epidemic. There are, and the thoughts and prayers of politicians are cruelly hollow if they are paired with continued legislative indifference. It's time for Congress to get off its ass and do something."

Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts seemed to share Murphy’s outrage:

Hillary Clinton joined the calls for gun legislation, tweeting:

Former VP Joe Biden shared similar sentiments:

Two former Presidents also offered their condolences--and disbelief at "another senseless tragedy."

Bill Clinton:

Barack Obama:

What Would You Say?

What would your tweet say? Or what did it say? Hit the Take Action button and tell your reps your thoughts, then share them in the comments below.

—Josh Herman

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The Daily Countable: The Post-Massacre Fight Over Guns Has Begun

(Photo Credit: wsfurlan / iStockphoto)