President Obama, from the White House Press Office:
“I just received a briefing from FBI Director Comey, as well as my White House team, about the tragic shooting that took place in Chattanooga today. We don’t know yet all the details. We know that what appears to be a lone gunman carried out these attacks. We’ve identified a name. And at this point, a full investigation is taking place. The FBI will be in the lead, working closely with local law enforcement.
We’ve also been in contact with the Department of Defense to make sure that all our Defense facilities are properly attentive and vigilant as we sort through exactly what happened. And as details of the investigation proceed, we’ll make sure that the FBI, as well as local law enforcement are providing the public with all the information that’s involved.
My main message right now is, obviously, the deepest sympathies of the American people to the four Marines that have been killed. It is a heartbreaking circumstance for these individuals who have served our country with great valor to be killed in this fashion.
And although the families are still in the process of being contacted, I want them to know that I speak for the American people in expressing our deepest condolences, and knowing that they have our full support as they try to overcome the grief that’s involved here.
I also want to say that there are reports of injuries to Chattanooga local law enforcement officials. Thankfully, as far as we know at this point, they have survived the assault. And we want to make sure that they know that we’re thinking of them. They’re in our thoughts and prayers.
We take all shootings very seriously. Obviously, when you have an attack on a U.S. military facility, then we have to make sure that we have all the information necessary to make an assessment in terms of how this attack took place, and what further precautions we can take in the future. And as we have more information, we’ll let the public know.
But in the meantime, I’d ask all Americans to pray for the families who are grief-stricken at this point. And I want everybody to understand that we will be thorough and prompt in figuring out exactly what happened.”
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U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, via press release
“I am heartbroken by the tragic shootings that have taken place today in my hometown… We have been in touch with federal, state and local officials and continue to monitor developments and have offered our assistance. This is a difficult day for Tennesseans and our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this tragedy.”
Corker served as mayor of Chattanooga from 2001-2005.
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U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Chattanooga
“This has been a tragic day for Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee. My heart and prayers go out to everyone involved in this horrendous situation. I have spoken with local, state and federal officials and will continue to monitor this situation closely.”
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U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, news release
“I am saddened by the news that four Marines lost their lives today in the service of their country. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, loved ones, and the Chattanooga community. I have continued to be in touch with local, state, and military leaders, and I eagerly await the results of their investigation into today’s tragic and senseless murders.”
Earlier this afternoon, prior to confirmation of the four Marines’ deaths, Alexander spoke on the Senate floor about the breaking news.
“Today, between 10:00 and 11:00 there was a violent attack in Chattanooga, where Senator Corker was once mayor,” Alexander said, motioning to Corker, who joined him on the Senate floor to make a statement on the developing news. “Right now, federal, state, and local officials are responding in Tennessee. I’m deeply disturbed by the reports. We understand a shooting took place at the Naval Reserve Center in Chattanooga, and a police officer has been injured. We understand other individuals at the Naval Reserve Center may have been injured as well. Many schools and local hospitals are locked down. I’ve been in touch with federal, state, and local officials and will continue to monitor the situation closely. My thoughts and prayers are with all involved.”
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House Speaker Beth Harwell
“I’m shocked and saddened by today’s tragedy in Chattanooga. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and with those first responders who put their lives on the line to keep the city and this state safe.”
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Tennessee Democratic Chair Mary Mancini
“Our hearts break for the victims of today’s shootings. The military officers and police, some of the city’s finest and bravest, were simply doing their jobs and serving their communities when this senseless act of violence occurred. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims, to the officer and other victims who are now receiving medical attention.
We are relieved that this terrible ordeal is over and are glad for the swift organized reaction and coordinated response between local, state, federal law enforcement agencies, emergency personnel and city officials that kept the people of Chattanooga safe.
We offer our heartfelt support and grieve alongside the families, law enforcement, city officials and the entire Chattanooga.“
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U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-South Pittsburg
“I am deeply saddened by the horrific actions that resulted in the loss of four Marine lives in Chattanooga. My thoughts and prayers are with our Tennessee community and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. I have been in contact with local, state and federal officials and will continue to monitor any developments in the investigation. ”
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State House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga
“I am deeply saddened to hear of today’s horrific events in our hometown of Chattanooga. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I have been in contact with state and local officials to monitor any developments. I have the utmost confidence in our law enforcement agencies to handle this situation in a swift and professional manner.”
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Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council President Gary Moore
“Together with all Tennesseans, we send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Chattanooga following today’s horrific shootings. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims’ families as they grieve their loved ones who were killed in this senseless act of violence. Tennessee’s entire Labor family stands with the city and its citizens as they begin to search for answers and healing.”
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Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey (on Facebook)
“A tragic and disturbing loss of life in Chattanooga today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families affected in this horrific attack against those who proudly serve our country. I am grateful to the first responders who worked quickly to eliminate the immediate threat and continue to work to keep Chattanooga safe.”
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis
“Today’s attack in Chattanooga that killed four Marines and injured several others is distressing, and I am keeping a close eye on the developments. Being that the scene was a military installation and the victims were military personnel, it appears that this was an attack on our nation. My sympathies go out to the victims and their families.”
Bill Gibbons, TN commissioner of safety and homeland security
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the U.S. Marines killed and to all of the victims injured in the senseless act of violence today in Chattanooga. This is the kind of event that we hope will never happen. Today, it happened right here in Tennessee.
Thank you to all of the local, state, and federal law enforcement officials and other first responders who acted courageously in the minutes and hours after the tragedy. We promptly dispatched Office of Homeland Security personnel and Tennessee state troopers to provide security at various state facilities in the area and are prepared to provide whatever assistance local or federal authorities may need as the investigation continues.”