U.S. Congressman and La. Gov. release statements in regard to Vegas shooting

America woke up to news Monday of a shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 dead and hundreds wounded at a Jason Aldean performance during the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. Here locally, Acadiana woke up to similar news about a nine-year veteran of the Lafayette police force Corporal Michael Paul Middlebrook who was killed in the line of duty.
Some of Louisiana’s elected officials commented in the wake of the tragic shootings. Governor John Bel Edwards issued the following statement: “My heart is heavy this morning as we all woke up to terrible news both here in Louisiana and in Las Vegas, Nevada. Last night, a Lafayette police officer was fatally shot while on duty. Words are never enough to show gratitude to those who pay the ultimate price while carrying out their oath to protect and serve. We are forever grateful for this officer’s service to our community.”
“Louisianans have experienced the heartbreak of horrific, calculated violence in recent years, and our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries during last night’s attack in Nevada. In the wake of evil and hardship, communities across our country come together and demonstrate the inherent goodness in people. Donna and I continue to pray for the family of the slain officer here in Louisiana and for the people of Las Vegas and offer our assistance to help in any way we can.”
The governor issued a executive order calling for the lowering of the Louisiana and American Flags over all state buildings through tomorrow, October 6, 2017. President Donald Trump issued a similar executive order hours previously calling for the American Flags to be flown at half-staff.
Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise, who returned to Capitol Hill last week following his own injuries sustained from a shooting incident, also issued a statement in which he “encouraged all Americans to stand together in solidarity to support the Las Vegas community and all those affected.”
Scalise’s statement reads as follows: “The shooting in Las Vegas was an act of pure evil. I pray for the victims of the murderous attack, and our whole nation grieves with their loved ones. We also thank the first responders and fellow citizens who did all they could to help those in harm’s way.”
“In this tragic moment, I encourage people across America to stand together in solidarity and to support the Las Vegas community and all of those affected, especially by giving blood and encouraging others to do the same. In the face of unspeakable evil, our whole nation must respond with countless acts of kindness, warmth, and generosity.”