Arizona lawmakers react to ISIS claim of Prescott hostage killed in airstrike

PHOENIX — Arizona politicians released statements Friday after the Islamic State claimed a Prescott woman it held hostage was killed in a Jordanian airstrike.

ISIS claimed Kayla Jean Mueller, a humanitarian worker kidnapped in 2013 near a Doctors Without Borders hospital, was killed.

Mueller’s death has not been independently confirmed.

The statements below have not been edited in any way.

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona)

“In August 2013, a young humanitarian aid worker named Kayla Mueller from Prescott, Arizona was taken captive by ISIL terrorists while leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo, Syria. Kayla had been working along the Turkish-Syrian border for months helping the thousands of innocent men, women and children whose lives were torn apart by the humanitarian catastrophe created by Bashar Assad and the Syrian civil war. Since her graduation from Northern Arizona University in 2009, Kayla had dedicated her life to helping people in need around the world – in India, Israel, the Palestinian territories and back home in Arizona.

“While I have no new information today on Kayla’s current situation, I do know from speaking regularly with her family that she is extremely devoted to the people of Syria, and to doing all she can to alleviate the terrible suffering which has left more than 200,000 people dead and driven millions from homes into refugee status. I also know that Kayla is extremely well-loved and dearly missed by her family and friends in Arizona.

“I ask that the news media please respect the privacy of the Mueller family at this difficult time, and for all Americans to say a prayer for Kayla, her family, and her safe return home to those who love her.”

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona)

“The reported events surrounding Kayla Mueller – a Prescott resident – can be laid squarely at the feet of ISIL. She deserves to be remembered for dedicating her life to the service of others. My thoughts, like those of so many across Arizona and around the globe, are with Kayla’s family. The best thing Congress can do now is authorize the mission against ISIL to let our allies and our adversaries know that we are united in our resolve.”

U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Arizona)

“I am deeply concerned about the recent allegations of Prescott’s own Kayla Mueller, kidnapped by ISIS terrorists in August of 2013. However, in the interest of the family and of the investigation, it is important to wait for the intelligence community to gather more information before making any conclusions. My staff and I have been in close communication with the State Department, and I will continue to monitor the ongoing situation.”

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Arizona)

“Kayla Mueller and her family are beloved members of our northern Arizona community. Kayla’s selfless dedication to helping others took her to some of the world’s most troubled and dangerous regions. But here at home, she’s known by many as a dear friend, a devoted volunteer, and a fellow NAU Lumberjack. While we do not have new information on Kayla’s situation, our hearts and prayers remain with her family.”

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona)

“Kayla Mueller is a young woman from Arizona who has devoted her career to helping people in need and serving others around the world. Over a year ago Kayla was helping refugee families in Syria who were forced to leave their home when she was taken captive by ISIS.

“While we have no more information about Kayla’s situation, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”