NC officials, President Biden react to ‘tremendous tragedy’ 5 deaths in Raleigh shooting
News of five shooting deaths in a Raleigh neighborhood shocked officials across the city and nation, and they braced themselves for difficult days.
Victims included an off-duty Raleigh police officer, and officers swarmed the sprawling Hedingham community in search of the shooter.
Reactions to the violence poured in quickly:
“This is a sad and tragic day for the city of Raleigh. ... All of us in Raleigh right now need to come together. We need to support those in our community who have suffered a terrible loss, a loss of a loved one. ... I would ask that you reach out those you love. Let people know you care. ... We must stop this mindless violence in America. We must address gun violence.”
—Mary-Ann Baldwin, Raleigh mayor
“The depth of their pain is unimaginable. As policy makers, we cannot, and we will not, turn away (from) what has happened here. We must be resolved to make changes and to succeed.”
—N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper
“Jill and I are grieving with the families in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose loved ones were killed and wounded in yet another mass shooting in America. We are thinking of yet another community shaken and shattered as they mourn the loss of friends and neighbors, including an off-duty police officer.”
“Praying for all the victims of this senseless and horrific shooting and grateful for the law enforcement and first responders on the scene working to keep people safe and bring the perpetrator to justice.”
—U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis
“My office and I are actively monitoring this situation. Please avoid these areas, stay indoors, and follow the guidance of @raleighpolice.”
—U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, who represents Wake County
“I am shocked and saddened by the news of yet another tragic and senseless act of mass violence, this time in our own state of North Carolina. I join the Raleigh community in mourning the lives of the five individuals that died in the devastating mass shooting that occurred in an East Raleigh neighborhood last night. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends, and the entire community as we grieve this unspeakable tragedy. I am grateful for the first responders and law enforcement officers for their swift actions and coordinated efforts to prevent any further violence.
“While details surrounding last night’s tragedy are still incoming, what is clear is that our communities are enduring unnecessary suffering, fear, and tragedy. For far too long, communities across our country have suffered from the epidemic of gun violence. As our nation repeatedly faces these appalling acts, the need for common-sense reforms grows more urgent. We must put our words into actions so that no one lives in fear.”
—U.S. Rep. David Price, who represents Durham and Chapel Hill
“I am relieved and thankful the suspect has been taken into custody this evening. My prayers are with the victims and all involved in this horrible tragedy in Raleigh tonight.”
—N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore
“Pray for the families of the victims of the tragic shooting in Raleigh. I want to thank our local and state law enforcement for their swift action to keep us safe even as they mourn the loss of one of their own.”
—N.C. Sen. Phil Berger
“My prayers are with the victims in Raleigh tonight and we are also praying for the safety of our law enforcement officers on the front lines responding to this ongoing situation.”
—U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, U.S. Senate candidate
As we await further details, I’m praying for the people injured and killed and their families in the current active-shooter situation in Raleigh.Thank you to the law enforcement and first responders working to keep us safe.
—Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley, U.S. Senate candidate
“Praying for the victims of this ongoing active shooter situation in Raleigh and for our brave law enforcement and first responders.”
— U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop
“All I can say is that this is a tremendous tragedy, something I hoped would never happen here. I can only offer whatever support I can to those who are hurting and suffering because of this.”
—Raleigh City Council member David Cox, city district representative for the area.
“Yolanda and I are praying for peace and comfort for the families of the victims and the officers involved in this tragedy, and for protection of those still actively responding.”
—N.C. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson
“This mass shooting event is tragic. My heart goes out to the victims, including an off-duty police officer, and their families. I offer my gratitude and prayers to the law enforcement officers responding to this tragedy.”
—N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein
“As law enforcement continue the investigation, Edna and I are keeping our neighbors and the victims’ families in our prayers tonight. We need to move forward with resolve for peace.”
—N.C. Sen. Dan Blue
“Our prayers go out to the #Raleigh community with the loss of a brave law enforcement officer and victims from tonight’s shooting. Thanks to state law enforcement also that provided additional assistance.”
—N.C. Sen. Jay Chaudhuri
“I’m praying for the Raleigh community tonight as we face the loss of a police officer and several neighbors to gun violence. Now more than ever, it’s clear we have to make real, tangible progress and make sure our communities are safe from gun violence.”
—N.C. Sen. Wiley Nickel, U.S. House candidate
“Devastating news out of Raleigh tonight. My family and I will be praying for everyone involved and awaiting more details.”
—N.C. Sen. Valerie Foushee, U.S. House candidate
“Pray for our law enforcement and those injured in an ongoing active shooter situation in Raleigh.”
—U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn
“Thinking about our friends and neighbors in Raleigh. Another heartbreaking moment for our communities.”
—Javiera Caballero, Durham councilwoman
