For the record: Wisconsin officials respond to mass shooting in Las Vegas

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on Oct. 2 released the following statement after the mass shooting in Las Vegas:

"America woke up this morning to heartbreaking news. This evil tragedy horrifies us all. To the people of Las Vegas and to the families of the victims, we are with you during this time. The whole country stands united in our shock, in our condolences, and in our prayers."

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., on Oct. 2 released this statement:

“My thoughts are with the victims of this senseless tragedy, their friends and families, and the City of Las Vegas. Much like the shooting in Orlando, these innocent Americans were doing something many of us have done, attend a concert. This attack was an act of terror and no one should have to experience a tragedy like the one that unfolded in Las Vegas.

“Members of Congress have the power to do something and we must do more than hold a moment of silence. We said never again after the shootings in Newtown, Charleston, San Bernardino, Orlando, and so many others. These events have become far too common and we can’t stay silent when thousands of Americans die from firearms every single year.

“As long as Congress fails to act, it is complicit in the deaths of innocent Americans. We must take commonsense actions like reinstating the assault weapons ban, ending the sale of high-capacity magazines and closing loopholes in the background check system. For too long, Congress has rolled over when confronted by the NRA and the gun lobby and it’s time to finally take a stand. Congress must act now.”

Wisconsin state Rep. Chris Taylor, D:

“My prayers and thoughts are with the individuals, friends, and families impacted by the horrific and tragic slaughter of over 50 people in Las Vegas, and the hundreds more who were injured. Grief alone, however, is not enough to prevent these horrible acts of violence from reoccurring. Other countries have shown that these massacres, which have sadly become a routine part of American life, are far from inevitable. Rather, they are the result of our repeated inaction or outright refusal as policy makers to act to make it more difficult for weapons to get into the hands of dangerous people.

We need not resign ourselves to this fate. I call on my legislative colleagues to not just hope and pray this doesn’t happen again. Now is the time to act to make our communities, our children, and every individual safe.”

Wisconsin state Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, D, issued this statement:

“My heart is with the victims, their families, and all people who are affected by this cowardly and heinous act of domestic terrorism. Wisconsin stands in solidarity with Nevada and her people. Today and always, we will mourn the loss of these beautiful souls who were senselessly murdered.” 

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., issued this statement:

“My heart goes out to the victims, their families and the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others. My committee will work to support the federal role in investigating this attack and protecting against further threats. As Americans we must unite to defeat threats to our nation's security — both foreign and domestic.”