'Wrap our arms around these families': Beshear, Greenberg react to Louisville mass shooting

Elected leaders reacted Monday morning following a mass shooting at Old National Bank in downtown Louisville that left four people and the shooter dead along with nine injured.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Beshear said he lost a close friend, Tommy Elliott, in the shooting. He said another friend is in the hospital. (He previously thought he lost two friends, but later corrected himself to just one friend.)

"We’ve got to do what we’ve done these last three years after everything," Beshear told reporters. "We’ve got to wrap our arms around these families."

More: 5 dead, 9 injured including 4 officers: Shooting in downtown Louisville at Old National Bank

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg

"I want everyone in the city to know that notwithstanding tragedies like today when multiple people are killed by gun violence, notwithstanding tragedies when individuals are killed by gun violence, our community will continue to come together. We will find ways to love and support one another and the families and friends who have been directly impacted by these acts of gun violence."

Louisville Metro Council

Louisville's Metro Council put out a statement, saying in part, "We condemn this heinous act of violence and are committed to working together with the Mayor's Administration and state officials to prevent future tragedies from happening in our city again."

Here's how other local, state and national elected officials and candidates reacted in the hours following the shooting.

More reactions: Louisville shooting aftermath: 'You would've thought Godzilla was coming down the street'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell

"Elaine and I are devastated by the news coming out of Louisville this morning," McConnell tweeted. "Thank you to LMPD and our first responders for your bravery at the scene. We send our prayers to the victims, their families, and the city of Louisville as we await more information."

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul

"Kelley and I are praying for everyone involved in the deadly shooting in downtown Louisville this morning. Our hearts break for the families of those lost," Paul tweeted Monday morning.

Congressman Morgan McGarvey

"Today is a dark day in our community," McGarvey tweeted.

"I'm heartbroken by the loss of at least four innocent Louisvillians in yet another act of senseless gun violence, this time in the heart of our city, and I'm grateful for the heroic acts of first responders who no doubt saved lives today."

Former Congressman John Yarmuth

"I am devastated by gun murders in my hometown. This one touched me personally, so I will choose my words carefully. We are a sick society when we allow our relatives, neighbors, and friends to be murdered by guns we have the power to control," Yarmuth tweeted.

Kentucky gubernatorial candidates

Attorney General Daniel Cameron: "Makenze and I are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in downtown Louisville this morning. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we pray for a speedy recovery of those injured. We are also grateful for the bravery of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to stop the threat. Let's come together as a community to support each other during this difficult time."

Kelly Craft: "Devastated by the horrendous news coming out of downtown Louisville this morning. Praying for the victims, their families, survivors, law enforcement, and the city of Louisville. May God’s Grace be with us today."

Somerset Mayor Alan Keck: "Devastating news today in Louisville. Tiffany and I offer our sincerest condolences to all who lost loved ones, as well as our utmost gratitude to the officers and first responders who ran toward the fight to save others. Praying for all involved in this senseless tragedy."

Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles: "Praying for everyone involved in the shooting in downtown Louisville this morning. I’m grateful for our brave law enforcement officers and first responders who are dealing with this tragedy."

More: 1 killed, 1 injured in shooting outside JCTC building in downtown Louisville

Kentucky state lawmakers

Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville: "This is happening around the country in a city daily. Today was our turn in Louisville, KY. As we hold our community tighter there must be outrage and anger. We live in a war zone and we shouldn’t have to."

Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville: "The time is now. No more empty thoughts and prayers. Time for a action. Let’s have a special session. Who’s with me?"

House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect: "This morning’s attacks in Louisville are heartbreaking as lives are shattered by a senseless act of violence. We mourn the loss of innocent life and hold those wounded in prayer as we do the families of both. As details continue to unfold, we also offer our appreciation to the men and women of the Louisville Metro Police Department for their response surely saved countless other lives."

Rep. Pamela Stevenson, D-Louisville: "In light of today's tragedy and horrific act of violence, I'm lifting up the victims, their families, and the entire Louisville community in my prayers. No act of hatred will tear our community apart, instead let's remember to hold our families a little closer today and come together stronger than ever.

"Thank you to LMPD, whose actions saved lives by showing up in a matter of minutes, and to the state and federal agencies who responded to help control the situation. In times like these, we need brave men and women willing to run into the line of fire to protect our community. Their sacrifice does not go unnoticed, and we pray for the victims and officers who are still fighting for their lives right now.

To quote Governor Beshear, we will get through this, we will get through this together."

Rep. Lamin Swann, D-Lexington: "Gun reform, assault weapons ban. Background checks, wait periods - too easy to get guns. Wrap around mental health services.

Enough with thoughts and prayers. 📢"

House Democratic Caucus leaders - Reps. Derrick Graham, Cherlynn Stevenson and Rachel Roberts: "We are beyond devastated by what happened in Louisville this morning as we and our nation endure not one but two shooting sprees in a span of hours. We mourn for the victims who were senselessly killed or wounded and pray for them and their loved ones. We also want to praise the decisive action and bravery of law enforcement that undoubtedly saved lives. More broadly, though, we should not have to live like this – living in fear and in a time where legislative inaction regarding gun violence has become the law of the land. We must demand more."

Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville: "I am heartbroken, I am angry, I am scared, I am praying. I love my city, and I will work with anyone and everyone to pass policies to protect us from this violence."

Sen. Gerald Neal, D-Louisville: "It is with a heavy heart that I express my deep sadness regarding the tragic shooting that took place at the Preston Pointe building in Louisville and near Jefferson Community and Technical School, which resulted in multiple injuries and loss of life. My prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this senseless act of violence.

"This tragedy is also a reminder of the immense risks that our first responders face each day to protect and serve our community. Their bravery and selflessness in the face of danger are a testament to their commitment to public safety.

"As we mourn and reflect on the devastating impact of today's events, we must come together as a community and society to find effective solutions in preventing the continuing scourge of gun violence. We can do more and have an obligation to do more to prevent such tragedies from happening again. We must do all that we can to take effective steps to ensure a safer community."

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester: "After another senseless act of violence, the Senate stands firmly with the City of Louisville. During this tragic time, we will hold the victims’ loved ones and friends in our prayers.

I commend law enforcement who rushed to the scene, placed themselves in the line of fire to protect the public, and ended an obviously deranged individual's shooting spree. If not for these heroes, even more families and friends would be mourning today."

Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill: "We’ve got to have conversations about what government can do to protect against gun violence. Government cannot be the only solution, but it must be part of it. I don’t pretend to have a solution, but I’m willing to try to find one. #kyga24"

Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville: "I’m saddened to say that one of my good friends was a victim of today's terrible shooting. My heart goes out to his family and to all of the victims and their families, as well as to our police officer who is still fighting for his life.

"For those who were injured, I pray for their swift recovery and the strength of their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. We cannot and must not accept this as our new normal.

"As elected leaders, we also have a responsibility to have open and honest discussions on how to address the ever-increasing frequency of these shootings. We must take action and do something to reduce future tragedies such as this. Let us unite as #LouisvilleStrong"

Kentucky elected officials

Secretary of State Michael Adams: "I was just here with my family seeing a Louisville Bats game this weekend. The peace of Easter ends too soon. Prayers for those killed and wounded and their families and co-workers, and thanks to our first responders."

State candidates

OJ Oleka, a Republican running for state treasurer: "Praying for everyone involved in the shooting in downtown Louisville today. I am also grateful for the members of law enforcement who put their lives on the line today. I pray for the victims of this senseless tragedy and their families and for the entire city of Louisville."

This story will be updated.

Reach Olivia Krauth at okrauth@courierjournal.com and on Twitter at @oliviakrauth.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Officials react to mass shooting in downtown Louisville, Kentucky