Politicians condemn gunfire attack on Republican members of Congress

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Local political figures of both parties condemned the gunfire attack on Republican members of Congress, and brought a message of bipartisanship.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, tweeted: “Jane & I send our thoughts & prayers to @SteveScalise, the @CapitolPolice & all those affected this morning.”

“I’m very grateful for the conduct of the Capitol Hill police; they did a great job controlling the situation and the shooter,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson of Marietta, R-6th.

“This is a reminder that there are things far more important than party politics. We can – and should – have spirited debates about policy differences, but we must all come together as Americans,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Cleveland.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy this morning in Alexandria,” said state Rep. John Boccieri of Poland, D-59th. “I played in the charity game when I was in Congress and attended many baseball practices, so my heart goes out to everyone who was involved in the practice.”

“Today’s incident was appalling to all who believe in our democratic values,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th. “I wish all those impacted a speedy recovery.”

“While Republicans and Democrats bicker about the best way forward for our country, the shooting this morning reminds us that we are Americans first and an attack on any member of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, is an attack on all of us,” said Mark Monroe, chairman of the Mahoning County Republican Party.

“We must remember in this great and free country our differences are to be worked out at the ballot box and halls of Congress, not at the point of a gun.”

“Prayers and thoughts are with the victims of today‘s shooting,” Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras said on Facebook. “This is madness.”