Illinois delegation reacts to shooting

Illinois members of Congress react to the shooting Wednesday of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, two Capitol police officers and one current and one former congressional staff member in Alexandria, Va.

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, Republican from Murphysboro, whose district is home to the man who fired the shots:

"With reports indicating that Wednesday morning's shooter is from my district, this is a tragedy that certainly hits close to home. As we continue to gather information, Tracy and I would like to send our prayers to my friend and colleague, Steve Scalise, as well as members of the security detail and congressional staff who were injured. We live in challenging times and the political rhetoric has been turned up to an alarming level. This should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to step back from the battle lines and come together to strengthen our nation."

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, Republican from Collinsville, Scalise's roommate and a member of the GOP baseball team who was not at practice Wednesday:

"My prayers are with my good friend and D.C. roommate, Steve Scalise, as well as the Capitol police officers, members, staff and all those affected by today's shooting. While we don't yet fully know the motive behind this shameful act of evil, there is no doubt the heroism of the Capitol police saved lives this morning. I am deeply thankful for their bravery, and I hope for speedy recoveries for all those wounded in this cowardly assault."

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Democrat from Hoffman Estates:

"This is a sad day for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. We can all agree that these sorts of actions simply have no place in civil society, and we should do much more to prevent this sort of needless violence. I wish all the victims a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing my former House colleagues, Congressional staffers and Capitol police officers back on the Hill soon. I also want to thank all the first responders for their bravery in risking their lives this morning - without their efforts, today could have been even worse."

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Democrat from Springfield:

Our hearts go out to the victims of a tragic shooting this morning. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the United States Capitol police who put their lives on the line this morning and each and every day to keep members, staff, and visitors safe.

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, Democrat from Naperville:

"My thoughts are with Majority Whip Steven Scalise and my colleagues, their staffers, families, and the Capitol police who work hard to keep members of Congress safe. This kind of cowardly attack on members of Congress is horrific. Violence has no place in our government or politics, and I wish everyone who was injured a speedy recovery."

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, Republican from Plano:

"Today Democrats and Republicans came together in the U.S. Capitol to pray for our colleagues, staff, U.S. Capitol Police and all affected by this senseless and tragic shooting in Alexandria. Our prayers go out to Whip Scalise and his family, and the families of the staffers and police officers injured by the actions of this disturbed gunman. I am deeply appreciative of the professionalism of local law enforcement and the U.S. Capitol Police, and their commitment to public safety. Without their presence and quick action at the baseball field, this attack could have been much worse. We are still learning the motivations of the shooter. Regardless of his motivations, I strongly defend freedom of speech, and that will never include someone using violence to promote their political beliefs. Peaceful resistance has always been a part of our country's fabric. In this heightened time of tension and emotion, any and all encouragement by fringe groups to carry out violent behavior and attacks must cease. It's time to put aside malice and pursue peaceful disagreement and civil discourse."

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Democrat from Schaumburg:

"I was not at the scene today, but my thoughts and prayers are with congressman Steve Scalise, the Capitol police officers and others who were shot, and their families. This was a horrible, senseless act of violence, and we must bring the perpetrator to justice. While we don't yet know the full scale of the casualties this morning, we do know that this attack would have been inestimably worse without the presence of the brave men and women of the Capitol police, some of whom are among the wounded. Like so many in law enforcement, they deserve our thanks every day, but especially today."

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, Republican from Wheaton:

"I am deeply saddened by the shooting this morning in Alexandria, Virginia. Elizabeth and I are praying for Rep. Steve Scalise, the Capitol police, and all those involved. I wish those harmed a speedy recovery and commend the bravery demonstrated by the Capitol police and those who tended to the injured. We are fortunate to live among the brave men and women in uniform who serve to keep us safe each and every day."

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Democrat from Deerfield, on Twitter:

"I'm very grateful for the service and professionalism of US Capitol Police today and everyday to keep the US Congress safe. Praying for @SteveScalise and all others hurt in this morning's horrific shooting in Virginia."

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, Democrat from Chicago, on Twitter:

"Horrified to hear of attack in VA - My thoughts are w/ my colleagues, their staff & Capitol Police, as we continue to gather more information."