Politicians from Missouri, Kansas react to the Orlando nightclub massacre

Missouri and Kansas political leaders — and others — reacted Sunday to the tragic events in Orlando:

▪ Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill:

“I’m heartbroken. And it’s a familiar feeling. It’s a depressing thing when such tragic events become so routine. We’ll be learning more about the poisonous ideology that led to this attack—on a community that’s had so much to celebrate in recent years, but who’ve long endured violence because of who they are and who they love. But we need to do more than know the facts surrounding this attack.

“We need to summon the resolve as a country to confront the issues at work here—issues of hate, and terrorism, and of military-grade gun violence in our communities. I’m resolved to do so, and I join Americans across the nation in standing with the victims and their loved ones in the face of this tragedy.”

▪ Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt:

(via Twitter) “The constant warnings by those that brief me & Intelligence Committee: there are more threats from more directions than at any other time.”

And...

“Sunday's attack is another example of the challenges we continue to face.”

▪ Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler:

“My prayers are with the victims of this morning’s senseless act of terror and with their families. This is an unnerving reminder of the devastation extremist ideologies can bring to our shores and the urgent need to confront this threat head on. We must ensure radicalized ideologies do not threaten our citizens in their neighborhoods and communities.”

▪ House Speaker Paul Ryan:

“As we heal, we need to be clear-eyed about who did this. We are a nation at war with Islamist terrorists. Theirs is a repressive, hateful ideology that respects no borders. It is a threat to our people at home and abroad. Our security depends on our refusal to back down in the face of terror. We never will.”

▪ Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran:

(via Twitter) “Robba & I join Kansans & the nation in grieving for the victims of the unthinkable violence in Orlando last night. Pray for the families.”

▪ Kansas Congressman Kevin Yoder:

(via Twitter) “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the terrible attack in Orlando. Thankful for law enforcement who saved more than 30 lives.”

This story was originally published June 12, 2016 at 7:45 PM.