President Trump (whose 71st birthday is today) spoke in response to the shooting earlier this morning, which appears to have specifically targeted Republican representatives. Relevant comments from his speech follow . . .
“…the assailant has now died from his injuries. The FBI is leading the investigation…”
“Many lives would have been lost if not for the heroic actions of the two Capitol Police officers, who took down the gunman despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a very, very brutal assault.”
“Our brave Capitol Police performed a challenging job with incredible skill, and their sacrifice makes democracy possible.”
“Everyone who serves in our nation’s capitol is here because, above all, they love our country.”
“Our children deserve to grow up in a nation of safety and peace.”
“…always remember those who serve and keep us safe.”
President Trump confirmed that the shooter, James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Illinois, has died. Trump did not discuss policy or a planned response to this event, if any, in his brief speech. Rather, he commended the first responders and expressed sympathy, concern, and prayers for those who were injured, and encouraged Americans to band together.
Senator Rand Paul (R), who was playing the outfield, said “I think with absolute certainty, nobody would have survived without Capitol Hill Police.”…”nobody else had a weapon, so he was just killing everyone.”…”it would have been a massacre without them [the police].”
Trump’s approximately four-minute speech can be seen in its entirety in the following video (starting at 17:37):
