‘Just blocks from the Capitol.’ Political leaders react to Sacramento mass shooting

A mass shooting in downtown Sacramento that killed six people and left at least 12 wounded has sparked reactions from politicians across California and the United States.

Shots rang out shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday, April 3, in a large crowd gathered on the street near 10th and K streets, where there are several bars and nightclubs, police said. No arrests have been made.

“In a single act in Sacramento, six individuals left dead and at least a dozen more injured,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “Families forever changed. Survivors left to heal wounds both visible and invisible.”

“But we must do more than mourn; we must act,” Biden said, outlining steps his administration has taken and calling on Congress to pass more gun safety laws. “Ban ghost guns. Require background checks for all gun sales. Ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Repeal gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability.”

“Sadly, we once again mourn the lives lost and for those injured in yet another horrendous act of gun violence,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “Jennifer (Siebel Newsom) and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and to the wider community impacted by this terrible tragedy.”

Newsom said his office will continue to monitor the investigation.

“What we do know at this point is that another mass casualty shooting has occurred, leaving families with lost loved ones, multiple individuals injured and a community in grief,” Newsom said. “The scourge of gun violence continues to be a crisis in our country, and we must resolve to bring an end to this carnage.”

“Devastated and heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover my feelings,” wrote Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Twitter. “This senseless violence MUST come to an end. My heart is with the Sacramento community and all of those impacted by this tragedy.”

“Our state awoke today to yet another shocking incident of mass gun violence,” wrote Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis on Twitter. “As law enforcement engages in the difficult of investigating this crime, my heart is the family and friends of the victims.”

“Horrified and deeply saddened by the gun violence we witnessed this morning in Sacramento,” wrote U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, formerly California’s secretary of state. “My prayers are with the victims and their families — and the entire Sacramento community. Our team is continuing to monitor the situation closely as we await further updates.”

“As a Californian, I am personally devastated by this horrific shooting,” wrote Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in a statement on Twitter. “May it be a comfort to the loved ones of those murdered & the Sacramento community that so many in our State & across the nation mourn their loss & pray for them during this sad time.”

“Words can’t express my shock & sadness this morning. The numbers of dead and wounded are difficult to comprehend.,” wrote Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg on Twitter. “Rising gun violence is the scourge of our city, state and nation, and I support all actions to reduce it.”

“I’m deeply saddened for the people of Sacramento today. But I’m also angry. Angry that there is more we can do to stop gun violence like this from happening in the first place,” wrote state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-San Fernando Valley, who is the majority leader. “Just blocks from the Capitol, this will be a reminder of action needed to save lives. #CaLeg will act.”

“Devastated by the news of last night’s mass shooting in Sacramento,” wrote state Sen. Anna Caballero, D-San Benito. “My prayers are with the multiple people injured, individuals who lost loved ones and the community in mourning. What happened was senseless and tragic and my heart breaks at the images that I am seeing.”

“Horrific, tragic news from my downtown, blocks from the Capitol & our District Office,” wrote Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento. “Too much senseless gun violence. This must stop.”

“I am praying for the victims, their families, our law enforcement, and everyone affected by this morning’s horrific mass murder in Sacramento,” wrote Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, on Twitter.

“We are all waking up to the senseless tragedy in Sacramento this morning,” wrote Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks. “Their community is experiencing the same pain that Thousand Oaks awoke to in 2018. As they begin the process of mourning this horrific loss, let us offer comfort in this time of great need “

“Just saw the tragic news out of #Sacramento,” wrote Richard Costigan, legislative affairs secretary to former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “ It’s only three blocks from my office and a block from the capitol grounds. I know many folks who enjoy the nightlife and restaurants around that area.”

“Increased gun violence plagues our country,” wrote City Attorney Mike Feuer of Los Angeles. “Most of it never makes the news. Today’s mass shooting in Sacramento grabs our attention and reminds us all that we must do more to stem this crisis.”

“My heart is with the Sacramento community and everyone who was impacted by this mass shooting,” wrote Attorney General Letitia James of New York. “Enough is enough, we need action now.”

“My heart breaks for Sacramento as it becomes the latest city traumatized by a horrific act of gun violence,” wrote Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, on Twitter. “My prayers are with the victims and their families. But prayer alone isn’t enough. We must put an end to the scourge of gun violence once and for all.”

“Bless the victims and their families.” wrote Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-California. “And damned be those lawmakers who enable massacre after massacre like this. We are a country of unrestricted weaponry.

This story was originally published April 3, 2022 at 8:12 AM with the headline "‘Just blocks from the Capitol.’ Political leaders react to Sacramento mass shooting."