Theater shooting: Statements from politicians on theater shooting

Here are the following statements in alphabetical order:

• "This was a horrible, senseless and abhorrent act. My family and I are shocked and deeply saddened this morning and our hearts are with the victims and their families. My staff and I are in contact with and offering our support to law enforcement and medical officials as they respond to the shooting." - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet
• "Jill and I were shocked to learn of the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado this morning. The reason this is so deeply felt by all Americans is that, but for the grace of God, the victims could have been any one of our children, in any one of our towns. It is every parent's worst nightmare to receive 'that phone call' and to sit by their child's bedside, praying. We know what it's like to wait and wonder and the helplessness a parent feels at this moment. Our hearts go out to each and every person who is suffering right now as a result of this terrible event. The prayers of an entire nation are with the victims and their families. We stand with the city of Aurora and the state of Colorado in mourning." - Vice President Joe Biden
  
• "This is an extremely tragic day for the community of Aurora and for all of Colorado. The senseless violence and pain caused by last night's tragedy should remind all of us to keep the victims, their family members, and their neighbors in our thoughts and prayers. We are fortunate to live in a community that can come together in times of difficulty, and find strength and solace in our faith and concern for one another." - Colorado GOP Chairman Ryan Call
  
• "My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families in this senseless act of violence. I've lived in Aurora almost all of my life and nothing like this has ever happened here. This was the type of violence that I would have expected when I served in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps but never here at home." - Congressman Mike Coffman
• "This morning, our Colorado community has been shaken by an inexplicable and horrific act of violence against so many innocent men, women, and children. We are all profoundly saddened by this senseless attack. My family and I join with all Coloradoans and those across the country today in praying for the victims and their families and loved ones. While we do not yet know the identities of the victims, in the coming days and weeks I know that all of us in the Denver-area will offer our support and assistance to those impacted by this shocking tragedy." - U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette
• "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. Today we are all Aurorans." - State Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver), the House minority leader
  
• At 2:30 a.m. this morning I learned of the horrific murders that occurred at Century 16 theater in the aurora Town center, less than 3 miles away from my home. As a mother and survivor of a murder, I am horrified, shaken, and distressed over this enormous loss. It is time for us to collectively strategize to address preventative factors to ensure community safety and well-being. I will do everything possible support the families, friends and community members whom have been impacted. Please join me and the great residents of my district for a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. at the [Kaiser Permanente] building." - Rep. Rhonda Fields
  
• "I am deeply saddened by the tragedy in Colorado and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their family members. The event that occurred last night is heartbreaking not only for the community of Aurora but for all Americans. This is a very sad day and I stand with the entire nation as we grieve the loss of life in this tragic incident." - U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV)
  
• "This is not only an act of extreme violence, it is also an act of depravity. It is beyond the power of words to fully express our sorrow this morning. Our prayers and condolences go first to the families of those killed, and we share the grief of everyone affected by this senseless event. We appreciate the swift work by local, state and federal law enforcement. Coloradans have a remarkable ability to support one another in times of crisis. This one of those times." - Governor John Hickenlooper
  
• "Marcelle and I were horrified and saddened by this senseless tragedy. The thoughts of the nation and indeed the world are turned to these innocent victims and their families, and our hearts and our prayers are also with them." - Senator Patrick Leahy
  
• "I am deeply saddened by the terrible shooting in Aurora, Colorado. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies continue to respond to this horrific event and I have directed the Department of Homeland Security to provide any support necessary in the ongoing investigation. We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. Our hearts and prayers go out to anyone impacted by this tragedy, especially the family and friends of those killed or injured." - Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
  
• "Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took ... lives ... in Colorado and injured dozens more. We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice." - GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney
• "After the shock and sadness comes a determination to do something to help. I'm working with Mayor Hogan to coordinate our response. I'll be writing a check to a fund for the victims and their families as soon as it's established, and I'll do whatever else I can to help. And I'll be asking - is there anything we could have done to prevent this tragedy?" - State Rep. Su Ryden (D-Aurora)
  
• "Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come." - President Barack Obama
• "We are all shocked and saddened by the senseless act of violence our friends and neighbors suffered overnight. Along with others across our state and country, I add my thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. Now is the time to come together as Coloradans and rely on the strong bonds of our shared communities to offer the support needed for those who lost so much." - Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio
• "I am stunned and furious at the news of the shooting at the Aurora Century 16 Movie theatre this morning. Our heart and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragedy. Colorado is not a violent place, but we have some violent people. We are a strong and resilient community, and we will lean on each other in the days, weeks and months to come." - Congressman Ed Perlmutter
• "The thoughts and prayer of all Coloradans are with the victims of this horrific act of violence in Aurora. I know that all of our neighbors will reach out to offer assistance and condolences to their families and loved ones in this difficult time. I appreciate the work of local law enforcement officials who have acted swiftly to protect Coloradans from further violence." - Congressman Jared Polis
  
• "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible tragedy and with their families. We are shocked by these senseless acts, and we cannot imagine the pain and grief of the victims' families and across Colorado. We pray for comfort for the grieving and healing for the wounded. Our hearts break for all those whose lives have been shaken by these unthinkable events." - Republican National Convention Chairman Reince Priebus
  
• "The shooting in the Aurora movie theater is a national tragedy, and the victims of this cruel and violent act are in my thoughts. Innocent people suffered a heartbreaking loss, but the victims and their families are not alone. Today, Americans take time to reflect on the value of life and the things that are most important to us, and mourn for those who lost what is most important to them. Everyone affected by this violent act will be in our hearts today, and for a long time to come." - U.S. Senator Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader
  
• "Sadly, Colorado is once again the location of a tragic and senseless act of violence that will be seared into our collective psyche for years to come. Law enforcement in Colorado has learned lessons from prior tragedies and has responded to this incident quickly, effectively and professionally. However, it is virtually impossible to prevent incidents of this nature. I am confident Colorado law enforcement is doing everything and will do everything within its power to properly investigate this matter and bring the perpetrator of this tragedy to justice. On behalf of all law enforcement in Colorado, our hearts go out to the victims and families and everyone impacted by this horrible crime." - Colorado Attorney General John W. Suthers
  
• "Last night's shooting in Aurora was senseless and horrifying. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those that were tragically killed-may they find strength and peace during this difficult time-as well as for those that were wounded; that they make a full recovery." - Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03)
  
• "I want to express my gratitude to our emergency personnel for their superb response to this heartbreaking violence. The Aurora Police Department acted quickly to take the suspect into custody, and the medical personnel in the ambulances and at six area hospitals saved many lives today." - State Rep. Nancy Todd (D-Aurora)
  
• "I am deeply saddened and outraged by these senseless and tragic shootings. My thoughts go out to the families and friends of those killed, and I am praying for a speedy recovery for those who were wounded. My staff and I are in close contact with officials on the ground and will offer any federal resources needed to investigate this terrible crime and bring those responsible to justice." - Senator Mark Udall

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