SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — President Joe Biden, Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials are reacting to a mass shooting at the San Jose VTA railyard that left multiple people dead on Wednesday morning.
President Joe Biden released the following statement.
Vice President Harris and I have been briefed on the horrific tragedy that took place this morning in San Jose, where a lone gunman murdered at least eight people and wounded several others at a county rail yard.
We are still awaiting many of the details of this latest mass shooting, but there are some things we know for sure. There are at least eight families who will never be whole again. There are children, parents, and spouses who are waiting to hear whether someone they love is ever going to come home. There are union brothers and sisters – good, honest, hardworking people – who are mourning their own.
Joe Biden, President of the United States
I have the solemn duty of yet again of ordering the flag to be lowered at half-staff, just weeks after doing so following the mass shootings at spas in and around Atlanta; in a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado; at a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina; and at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Enough.
Once again, I urge Congress to take immediate action and heed the call of the American people, including the vast majority of gun owners, to help end this epidemic of gun violence in America.
Every life that is taken by a bullet pierces the soul of our nation. We can, and we must, do more.
God bless all those whose lives were lost today, and all those who loved them.
Newsom tweeted: “We are in close contact with local law enforcement and monitoring this situation closely.”
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo was giving several updates on the shooting.
He tweeted: “Our hearts are pained for the families of those we have lost in this horrific shooting. The shooter is deceased, and more information will be provided at 9:30am.”
The San Jose Police Department also responded to help with the investigation.
Police chief Anthony Mata said: “Our sincerest condolences and prayers to the victims’ families and our communities during this tragic incident. Thank you to all the brave and courageous first responders.”
Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose)issued the following statement regarding today’s mass shooting in the area of Younger Avenue and San Pedro Street in San Jose. The Santa Clara County sheriff’s office has established that the incident involves multiple fatalities and casualties:
“There are no words that capture the grief and loss being felt by our community today. My deepest condolences and prayers are with the victims of today’s senseless and tragic shooting as well as their families, and I offer my support to them in any way I can. Our mass shooting epidemic continues to give rise to unimaginable heartbreak and loss.”
“As General Manager of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), words cannot begin to express our transit district’s heartache after learning of today’s tragedy within the Valley Transportation Authority. Although we operate on different streets, each Bay Area transit agency is home to more than essential workers, but people; bounded together as a united family. As in any family, the sorrow of one is the collective sorrow of us all. AC Transit wishes each of our VTA family members peace and comfort as you mourn today, and in the days come. We equally extend our support to your riders and the communities you serve as you collectively navigate the challenges ahead.”
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District
The San Jose earthquakes statement:
“The Earthquakes are deeply saddened by the events that took place this morning at the VTA Facility not far from PayPal Park. We are praying for the victims, their families, and all associated with the Valley Transportation Authority, and want to express our appreciation to all first responders for arriving at the scene quickly.”
FTA Deputy Administrator Nuria Fernandez said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of a fatal shooting this morning at a @VTA light rail facility. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the employees lost in this tragedy and the entire VTA community.”
Quote from Bob Melvin, Oakland A’s manager” “It’s awful. There are way too many of these things. It hits more when you are at home. Hearts out to the families that have lost loved ones.”