BEND, OR -- Oregon elected officials are responding to Sunday evening's mass shooting inside a northeast Bend grocery store.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) tweeted Monday morning, "The Oregonians who went to shop or work at the Bend shopping center where last night's mass shooting happened need our thoughts and actions."
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) tweeted Sunday night, "My heart breaks for the families of the victims and the many people whose routine Sunday evening shopping turned into a terrifying run for their lives in Bend."
And, Second District Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) tweeted Monday, "Heartbreaking and tragic. Please join Lindsay and I in praying for the victims and their families."
Governor Kate Brown issued a written statement Monday morning:
“I am asking all Oregonians to keep the victims of last night’s shooting in Bend and their families in your thoughts and in your hearts today. Every Oregonian should be able to go to a grocery store without the fear of gun violence. While there is still much we don’t know, Oregon State Police are working with local authorities to respond to and investigate this tragic event.
“Last night’s shooting was one of several in Oregon just this weekend. The families of these victims will forever be impacted by these senseless acts. All Oregonians deserve to be safe from gun violence.”
Bend Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Broadman issued a statement at 10:45 a.m. Monday:
Yesterday was a dark night in Bend. As we grieve last night's senseless gun violence, I want to make sure that people have good facts and the resources they need.
The Bend Police Department is providing factual updates as they are able. There will be an additional press conference today at 12:30 p.m. that will be livestreamed on the City of Bend’s YouTube channel.
First, there is no indication at this time that there was more than one attacker. The apparent killer is deceased. While this remains an active investigation, and regrettably we must always be vigilant, at this time, we do not believe there is further immediate danger in connection with last night's incident. Second, the men and women of Bend Police Department and several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies worked through the night to protect people in Bend and conduct a thorough investigation, collecting all evidence and processing it properly. This takes time.
Thank you to Chief Mike Krantz for helming this multi-agency effort, which included support from @BendFireRescue , Oregon State Police, @DeschutesSO and the FBI.
Thank you to the emergency and medical personnel, St. Charles, and everyone who stepped up to shepherd this community through a horrific night, along with @OregonGovBrown who monitored the situation closely throughout the evening.
Today we will begin to mourn those we have lost, support the families stricken by this immense tragedy, and comfort our traumatized City. Mourn now, and let us continue to work as a community to ensure these tragedies are not repeated, that gun violence is not part of our culture, and that we live our lives free of terror. We are strong when we stand together.
I learned of the shooting, like so many of you, from a friend at the scene, helping those who'd been shot. He's one of my church friends, who I normally text with about snow reports and homebrew recipes.
Our entire community has been attacked, and the families of the loved ones we have lost will need our strength in the coming hours and days.
As we are all processing the trauma of last night, remember there are mental health resources available. The Deschutes County Crisis Line available to anyone who is experiencing a crisis or needs crisis support. Call 541-322-7500 ext. 9. Deschutes County Walk-in Crisis Services also provides access to a therapist for individuals experiencing a crisis. Contact the Deschutes County Stabilization Center at 63311 NE Jamison Street in Bend. Or call their 541-585-7210- Office Line for Non-Emergency.
And finally, if you are interested, there is a community vigil tonight in Drake Park from 6:30-7:30. Watch for more information throughout the day.
