Vermont Business Magazine Vermont's governor and congressional delegation issued the following statements in response to the deadly shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday night at an outdoor concert. At least 59 people were killed and 527 wounded. Among the dead was 35-year-old Sandra Casey of Dorset, who received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the College of St Joseph in Rutland, before moving to California and becoming a special educator.
Governor Phil Scott: "What happened in Las Vegas is a senseless, horrific tragedy and our entire state, and nation, feels a deep sense of sorrow for the many innocent lives lost and irrevocable damage inflicted on hundreds more. As we mourn, and as we move forward, let's unite together around the memory of those who were murdered, in support of those who were injured, and in solidarity with the people who love them."
Scott said Tuesday that he had spoken to Casey's family in Dorset to relay his condolences on behalf of the people of Vermont.
Senator Patrick Leahy: "Vermonters today are feeling the shock and sorrow that the entire country is feeling about the massacre in Las Vegas. We want all of these victims and their families to know that our hearts are broken and we stand in solidarity with them and with all of the people of Las Vegas. We are still learning the facts, but it's painfully clear that yesterday will go down as one of the darkest days in our nation's history.
"It is difficult or impossible to say whether any single shooting is preventable, but we also know that we can take commonsense steps to address our problem with gun violence in this country. We must do more to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill, like by instituting stronger background checks and strong steps to prevent gun trafficking and straw purchases.
"Congress must not become so numb to tragedy after tragedy that it fails to sensibly act on the proliferation of gun violence."
Senator Bernie Sanders: "My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims and all those wounded in the horrific Las Vegas shooting. I also want to thank the first responders who did an outstanding job responding to this tragedy, saving many lives.
"(Sunday) night’s attack is the deadliest mass shooting in our country's modern history, and this year there have been more mass shootings than days in the year. In light of the terrible tragedy in Las Vegas and mass shootings across the country, it should be clear to all that we have got to do everything we can to stop guns from falling into the hands of people who should not have them. It is long past time for Congress to take action on gun safety to save innocent lives."
Congressman Peter Welch: “I know I join all Vermonters in reacting with horror and utter disbelief to the slaughter of innocent life in Las Vegas (Sunday night). It’s hard for any of us to imagine the sheer terror experienced by concertgoers running for their lives, unsure of the depraved shooter’s location.It’s hard to imagine the inconsolable grief being experienced by the families of the victims. And it’s hard to fathom the inaction of Congress in the face of so many mass shootings in this country. What will it take to pass common sense gun laws that take guns out of the hands of people who should not have them? We pray for those injured and killed.And we are grateful yet again for the brave first responders who stopped the shooter and selflessly came to the aid of hundreds of innocent victims.”