Arizona political figures react to mass shootings in Texas, Ohio

PHOENIX — Arizona politicians shared their thoughts on social media after two mass shootings — one in Texas and another in Ohio — left dozens dead this weekend.

Republican U.S. Sen. Martha McSally wrote on Twitter that she woke up Sunday devastated to hear of the most recent shooting.

Devastated to wake up this morning to the news coming out of Dayton, OH. America has no place for this senseless hatred & violence.

— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) August 4, 2019

A Saturday afternoon shooting at a shopping area in El Paso, Texas, left 20 dead and 26 wounded. A shooting hours later at a popular entertainment district in Dayton, Ohio, killed nine more.

McSally’s colleague, Democratic U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, offered her condolences to the El Paso victims.

My heart is with the people of El Paso today. Thinking of all the first responders, victims, and families affected by this senseless act of violence.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) August 3, 2019

Mark Kelly, who is running against McSally for Senate in 2020, called on the Senate to act following the shootings.

Kelly’s wife, former Arizona U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, was the target of a massacre in Tucson in 2011.

Giffords also tweeted asking for policy change.

29 dead from two mass shootings in less than 24 hours. America cannot wait any longer. The Senate needs to act now to save lives. https://t.co/QUf7nGvyca

— Mark Kelly (@ShuttleCDRKelly) August 4, 2019

I have no more words. I only have anger. President Donald Trump and Leader Mitch McConnell must call the Senate back from August recess immediately. We cannot afford to wait another day for lawmakers to address this horrific national public safety threat. #daytonshooting https://t.co/IX5WS39CFk

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) August 4, 2019

Several Arizona Democratic leaders called for gun reform, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and U.S. Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick and Tom O’Halleran.

We must continue to call for increased gun control measures. This should not be our new normal.

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) August 4, 2019

Today, my heart is breaking for the victims of the shootings in El Paso and Dayton. I pray for healing for the loved ones of the victims and these communities. Senseless violence of this kind has no place in our country and together we must take action to end it.

— Rep. Tom O’Halleran (@RepOHalleran) August 4, 2019

Families are grieving another shooting in less than 24 hours. Americans are dying and politicians like @senatemajldr have the power to stop some of these senseless tragedies. Our leaders must stop putting the @NRA before Americans. Our system is failing and we must make changes.

— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) August 4, 2019

Our hearts break for the dead, the injured, & loved ones left shattered in El Paso & Dayton. Two mass shootings in 24hrs tell us what we already know: Our country has a gun problem, now made worse by extremism. We must pass common-sense gun reforms at the national & state levels.

— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) August 4, 2019

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs also shared their sympathy for the victims.

This has been a weekend of sadness and tragedy. Our hearts are with Dayton and El Paso — we grieve with you. https://t.co/U8GAUYAWzi

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 4, 2019

The loss of any innocent life is tragic, and the news from El Paso is heartbreaking to watch. Cindy and I are praying for all of the victims and their family members. https://t.co/b5EB3TXGfE

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) August 3, 2019

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