Lawmakers across New England are expressing their horror and condolences in the wake of a mass shooting during a concert at a Las Vegas casino that killed at least 59 people and left more than 500 injured.
Gunfire broke out late Sunday night at the Route 91 Harvest Festival at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The suspected gunman, who killed more people than in any other modern American mass shooting, is believed to have killed himself before SWAT agents entered the room he was in.
MASSACHUSETTS
In a series of tweets, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said she was "heartsick" for the victims, their loved ones and survivors.
"Tragedies like Las Vegas have happened too many times," she tweeted. "We need to have the conversation about how to stop gun violence. We need it NOW."
"Our hearts break for the victims and loved ones of those in Las Vegas," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh tweeted Monday morning. "Boston's thoughts and prayers are with you."
"MA is praying for the victims, families & 1st responders in #LasVegas," Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted. "Deeply saddened & horrified to learn of this senseless mass shooting."
U.S. & World
Later on Monday, Baker ordered all U.S. and Commonwealth flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings through sunset on Friday, Oct. 6.
"My heart breaks for the families of all those lost in Las Vegas. Sending thoughts and prayers to the victims and everyone impacted," U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III said.
"Thinking of everyone in #LasVegas and praying Congress will have the courage to do more than stand in silence to commemorate them," fellow U.S. Rep. Seth Mouton said in a tweet.
However, the congressman added he would not join his colleagues on the House floor for a moment of silence, saying it would become "an excuse for inaction."
"I can't adequately express my despair over the senseless terror and loss in Las Vegas," U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark tweeted. "Sending love, healing and sympathy to all affected."
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern tweeted, "Heartbroken by news of #LasVegas shooting. My thoughts and prayers are with victims of this tragic attack & the many brave first responders."
The tragedy in Las Vegas has re-ignited a long simmering debate in Washington on gun control. Sen. Ed Markey says the gun epidemic has put assault weapons in the hands of people that shouldn't have them. Markey, along with most members of the all democratic Massachusetts congressional delegation puts much of the blame on what he describes as the National Rifle Association's vice like grip on the GOP.
"Now we must have resolve in Washington to make sure that these guns are put under the strictest strictest possible control," Markey said.
Rep. Seth Moulton has stopped participating in moments of silence on the house floor which he says have become an excuse for inaction.
"I think the main obstacle is Republican leadership in Congress who don't have the courage to do their jobs," Moulton said. "And stop listening to the NRA. I mean, how many innocent Americans have to die, Mr. Speaker, speaker Ryan, before you simply do your job and allow a vote."
Rep. Joe Kennedy struggled to express his feelings and frustrations over the shooting in Las Vegas – an increasingly familiar tragedy that he thinks Congress could be doing much more to prevent.
"At a certain point, you can't just sit there and say, 'we are praying again and never again.' And not do anything to prevent it from happening again," he said.
A Boston police spokesperson said the department "extends our heartfelt sympathies and support to all the victims and first responders impacted by the senseless tragedy in Las Vegas."
Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, who was just a few miles away from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino when shots rang out, described seeing "chaos" from the scene.
"Let's hope it's over. Prayers and sympathy to Las Vegas," he tweeted. Davis was the head of the Boston Police Department during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and subsequent manhunt.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
"Praying for the victims and their loved ones following the horrific shooting in Las Vegas - and grateful to all the brave first responders," Sen. Maggie Hassan said.
Gov. Chris Sununu tweeted early Monday, "Valerie's and my thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the horrible tragedy in #LasVegas. #PrayForLasVegas"
U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter tweeted, "Horrified by last night's awful mass shooting in Las Vegas. Praying for victims, families, and first responders. Time to act!"
"Heartbroken to learn of shooting in Las Vegas," U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said. "Thankful for our first responders and praying for all the victims of this horrific violence."
CONNECTICUT
"Not again," U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy tweeted. "My heart is with Las Vegas this morning. Sending prayers to the victims and their families. #LasVegas"
"My heart breaks for Las Vegas - prayers to families and loved ones. The nation's conscience must be galvanized," U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said on social media.
"Horrific news out of Las Vegas," U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney tweeted. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of this senseless tragedy."
RHODE ISLAND
"Like millions of Americans, the First Gentleman and I are grief-stricken by the tragic news from Las Vegas," Gov. Gina Raimondo said. "We're keeping the victims + their families in our thoughts and prayers."
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed tweeted, "Shocked and saddened by #LasVegas massacre. Heart goes out to victims & thanks to brave responders."
"My heart goes out to victims of this horrific attack, to their loved ones, & to all of those affected. Stay strong, Las Vegas," U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse tweeted.
MAINE
"Devastating news out of Las Vegas. Praying for the victims and loved ones affected by this tragedy," U.S. Sen. Angus King tweeted.
"Horrifying, tragic shooting in #LasVegas is felt by us all," U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree tweeted. "My thoughts are with the families of victims, the injured, and law enforcement."
"My thoughts are with all those effected in the horrifying attacks in Las Vegas," U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin tweeted. "The nation is with you."
VERMONT
"In Vermont this a.m. we're feeling the shock & sorrow that the entire country is feeling abt the massacre in Las Vegas," U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy tweeted out. "Our sympathy to all."
In a series of tweets, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders said his thoughts were with those who died in the shooting, their loved ones and first responders.
"It should be clear that we have got to do everything we can to stop guns from falling into the hands of people who should not have them," he said. "It is long past time for Congress to take action on gun safety to save innocent lives."
