President Barack Obama said Thursday that "thoughts and prayers" are no longer enough to prevent another mass shooting, citing the deadly shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.
"As I said just a few months ago, and I said a few months before that, and I said each time I see one of these mass shootings, our thoughts and prayers are not enough. It's not enough," Obama said from the White House briefing room. "It does not capture the heartache and grief and anger that we should feel, and it does not to prevent this carnage from being inflicted someplace else in America next week or a couple months from now."
At least 10 people were killed and more than 20 others were injured in the shooting, according to preliminary information from the Oregon State Police. Authorities said the shooter, a 20-year-old man, was dead, and investigators are examining social media postings they believe were made by him as they try to determine a motive.
Oregon Sen. Wyden was visibly shaken as he rushed back to his office at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, declining to take questions from reporters. The state's junior senator, Jeff Merkley, tweeted that he was praying for the victims and their families.
"I am absolutely heartbroken by today's news," Merkley later said in a statement. "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."
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown tweeted that she was thinking about the victims.
The governor said at a news conference that law enforcement is still uncovering facts.
"We know now that there were casualties and confirmed injuries. Our top priority now is the medical treatment for victims and the security of the campus," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are holding the community of Douglas County in our hearts today."
Oregon Rep. Peter DeFazio said in a statement that he hopes to work with other lawmakers to prevent similar incidents.
"Today's shooting in Roseburg is a heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Roseburg's first responders for their work in responding to the event," he said. "Once we know more about what happened today, I plan to work with my colleagues in Congress to find ways to prevent tragedies such as these."
Oregon Rep. Greg Walden called the killings "heartbreaking."
"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," he said. "Oregon and the entire nation mourn this senseless loss."
CNN
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