Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has issued a statement condemning Wednesday morning's shooting at the Republican Congressional Baseball Game practice. The shooter, identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois, was a Sanders supporter and volunteered for Sanders' 2016 campaign for president.
Sanders condemned violence of any kind as well as the specific shooting on Wednesday on the floor of the Congress.
Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. pic.twitter.com/hyfmmpgXML
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 14, 2017
"I am sickened by this despicable act."
Sen. Bernie Sanders? condemns alleged shooter James T. Hodgkinson, a volunteer on his 2016 campaign pic.twitter.com/dom250sElU
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 14, 2017
“I have just been informed that the alleged shooter at the Republican baseball practice was someone who apparently volunteered on my presidential campaign. I am sickened by this despicable act. Let me be as clear as I can be. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. Real change can only come through nonviolent action, and anything else runs against our most deeply held American values.
My hopes and prayers are that Representative Scales, congressional staff and the Capitol Police Officers who were wounded make a quick and full recovery. I also want to thank the Capitol Police for their heroic actions to prevent further harm.”
Hodgkinson died shortly after the attack. He was stopped by Capitol Police after firing off several dozen rounds.