Governor Brown orders flags to half-staff

Gov. Kate Brown on Thursday ordered flags lowered to half-staff at all public institutions throughout Oregon until sunset on Friday in honor of the victims of the Umpqua Community College shooting.

“Today is heartbreaking for Umpqua Community College, the greater Roseburg community, and all of Oregon,” the governor said. “My heart is heavy as we continue to learn more about today’s tragic events. While it is still too early to know all of the facts, the effects of an incident such as this one are long-lasting. Please join me in keeping the victims and their families, as well as first responders, in your thoughts.”

Following her press conference on the shooting Thursdasy afternoon,Governor Brown was en route to Roseburg.

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Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River)todayissued the following statement on the tragedy at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg.:

“Today’s news out of Roseburg is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy, their families, and the entire community. Oregon and the entire nation mourn this senseless loss.”

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Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., released the following statement regarding reports of a shooting at Umpqua Community College (UCC) in Roseburg:

“I am absolutely heartbroken bytoday’s news. I have been in touch with local officials to express my deepest condolences and offer my assistance in any way possible and I will continue to monitor this tragedy and its response.

The hearts and thoughts of all Oregonians are with the victims, their families and the entire UCC and Roseburg communities.”

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Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said: “”Oregonians everywhere want Roseburg to know we’re praying for them.”

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Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum:

“I am heartbroken by the magnitude of today ‘s event at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. In Oregon, we are a family, and today is unspeakably difficult. Our hearts go out to all of the families affected by another senseless gun tragedy. As always, Oregon’s first responders, medical community and law enforcement have stepped up without hesitation to assist. The Oregon Department of Justice will provide any additional resources that we can. I have members of Criminal Justice and Crime Victims’ Services divisions on the scene offering assistance to law enforcement, students and families.”

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Rep. Earl Blumenauer:

“My heart breaks for the Umpqua Community College family and the surrounding community as we struggle to cope with this tragedy.

“Far too many times in my tenure as a Congressman I have witnessed horrific shootings in my home state and around the country. We await more details ontoday’s shooting, but let’s be clear – it is far past time to treat violent gun crime as a public health emergency. These tragedies are at epidemic proportions and happen in America at levels that far and away exceed levels in any other developed country in the world. Something must be done.

“Earlier this year, I released my plan,‘Enough is Enough,’and I hope we can summon the political courage to tackle these issues in a holistic way and put a stop to gun violence.We need more than thoughts and prayers – we need action.”

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Representative Knute Buehler (R-Bend) issued the following statement regarding the tragedy that took placetodayat Umpqua Community College:

“As someone who grew up in Roseburg and experienced many special times as a youth at Umpqua Community College, I am devastated by the horrific events that took place theretoday. I stand together with Oregonians across the state in offering my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers. There will be very difficult days ahead, but I know the people of the Roseburg community, as we always do, will emerge stronger and more united than ever before.”

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House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) issued the following statement regarding the tragedy that took placetodayat Umpqua Community College:

“I am deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy that took placetodayat Umpqua Community College. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, our first responders and the people of Roseburg. Oregonians across the state are united in grief with the Roseburg community and resolved to bring help and healing to those impacted bytoday’s horrible events.”

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Statement by Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek:

“Today’s tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College is heartbreaking for all Oregonians. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders in Roseburgtoday.”