Officials React to Wilmington Courthouse Shooting

In the aftermath of the Wilmington Courthouse shooting Monday morning, some elected officials offered words of comfort and support to the victims and their families.

Delaware Senator Tom Carper issued the following statement:

"Sadly, no community in our country is immune to violence or senseless tragedy. Today, it struck at home. It's impossible to comprehend acts like the shootings that took place today at the Courthouse in Wilmington, but they serve as somber reminders of the need for our leaders in both Dover and Washington to have a thoughtful but urgent conversation about how to address and reduce gun violence in our state and nation. My heart goes out to the friends and families of those killed and wounded today, and I send my deepest thanks to the brave men and women in law enforcement who were there to protect and serve civilians. In the days and weeks ahead, we need to find out what happened here so we can do all we can to prevent it from happening again. But today we grieve for those lost and hurting."

Carper also tweeted to his followers, ‏"Sadly, no community is immune to violence or senseless tragedy. Today, it struck at home. Grieving for those lost & hurting in Wilm."

Senator Chris Coons also used Twitter to reach residents, saying, "Annie and I are praying for our friends and neighbors at the New Castle County Courthouse this morning. Tragic news."

And Governor Jack Markell stated, "Our thoughts and prayers right now are with the victims of this senseless violence and the Capitol Police officers who put their lives on the line to protect the courts and public every day."

He later released this statement: "First, I want to express my deepest condolences to the victims of this shooting. Second, I want to express my appreciation to all of those from the law enforcement community who have been working so hard today. A short while ago, I spoke with each of the Capitol Police officers who were shot.  I thank God that they are both doing OK.  I let them know how grateful we are for that and how much we appreciate their outstanding service to the citizens of our state. I have also spoken today with Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Schiliro, State Police Superintendent McQueen, and Capitol Police Chief Jopp.  I am grateful to them and their personnel for all they are doing. While this shooting is notable for the fact that it took place inside a state courthouse, there are some aspects of this incident that are, unfortunately, all too common. I am saddened that two more brave members of our law enforcement community have been injured in the line of duty. I am also saddened that this appears to be another example of a domestic situation that turned deadly. So while there is much focus on this incident today because of the circumstances, it should not detract from our focus on domestic violence or from our appreciation and apprehension for the thousands of men and women in law enforcement who take chances on our behalf every day."

Markell will be cutting his trade mission to India short in order to return to Delaware.