Following the deadly shooting in the Oregon District, a popular nightlife area of Dayton, Ohio, reactions from leaders across the state and across the nation came pouring in.
From calls for reform, and condolences, emotions were certainly high following the tragic loss of life early Sunday morning; especially considering less than 24 hours before, 20 people were shot and killed and dozens more injured when a gunman opened fire in an El Paso, Texas Walmart.
Below is the statement issued by Akron's Mayor Dan Horrigan:
“I have been on the record on this issue from my first day in office. This is not inevitable; and we don't have to live like this. The state and federal governments have worked tirelessly to strip local officials - like Mayor Whaley and me - of any control over gun policy. But I have never stopped fighting for the safety of our citizens.
The terrorism of gun violence in America long ago reached epidemic proportion.When our children cannot attend school safely, when we cannot run errands without fear of attack, when we cannot securely gather as a community - the balance between our essential freedoms is lost and action must be taken.
Americans of all political stripes agree that now is the time to pass common-sense gun control. No person should be so heavily armed as to take nine souls, and forever scar 26 others, in less than 60 seconds, as happened in Dayton.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine responding as well, first ordering all flags at half-staff across the state, in honor of those who were killed in Dayton. Below is the statement issued by DeWine:
Fran and I are absolutely heartbroken over the horrible attack that occurred this morning in Dayton. We join those across Ohio and this country in offering our prayers to victims and their families. I have spoken with Mayor Nan Whaley and offered any assistance on behalf of the state. I have been briefed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol has offered assistance to local law enforcement as they investigate this heinous act. I commend Dayton Police and other first responders for their bravery and quick response to save lives and bring an end to this tragedy. I have ordered that flags in Ohio remain at half mast in honor and memory of the victims who lost their lives this morning.