RUFUS – Jesstopian officials across the country are reacting to DHS Secretary Marcus Welder’s shooting, that took place just after 1:30 this afternoon. Leaders including President Laylin, Vice President Cole Bindle and several state governors have also condemned the attack on Secretary Welder.

In a statement posted to the Nationalist House website, President Laylin condemned the violence against Secretary Welder. In his statement he says political violence must end.

“I just learned of the horrific shooting of Secretary Marcus Welder early this afternoon. Words can not describe our shock and anger. Political violence is still very much strong and we must do everything we can to stop it. Kelly and I send our prayers to Secretary Welder, his family and to the officials investigating this disgusting shooting. We will provide any resources that our investigators need to bring this criminal to justice,” the President’s Statement read. “We will continue to provide updates as the investigation unfolds. We are stronger as one, not divided. I condemn this shooting to the fullest extent possible and are calling for the end of political violence.”

Vice President Cole Bindle said that the shooter must meet the full weight of justice for the shooting of Welder. He called Welder his friend.

“The shooting of my dear friend DHS Secretary Marcus Welder is unacceptable and intolerable. The animals who did this to him must face the full weight of federal law, and we must condemn any and all forms of political violence,” wrote Vice President Bindle. “Jacklyn and I send our prayers and love to the Welder family as they navigate this horrific event. I am currently in talks with the family and are learning details they come in. I will provide more as they become available, as President Laylin has said.”

State officials including Governors Joshua Adamson, Linda Lee, and David Rivera have also called on the end of political violence and sent their prayers to Welder and his family.

“I have been briefed on the shooting of DHS Secretary Marcus Welder and can not stress enough the need to end political violence across this country. I will be praying for Secretary Marcus Welder and his family,” said Governor Rivera. “I will be in contact with the Nationalist House, and will provide the necessary resources to aid in the investigation. I will also be in contact with President Laylin, who I personally offered my assistance, with the investigative efforts. We need to lower the temperature in this country.”

Rivera has been strongly opposed to the Laylin DHS, and has vocally spoken about resisting the DHS’ deportation efforts. But he says no one deserves to be killed or seriously hurt for differing opinions.

Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson issued a statement about the shooting, alluding to sounding like a broken record, after his statements after Charlie Kirk’s assassination last month and the attempted assassination of President Laylin.

“A little after 1:30 PM this afternoon, Department Of Homeland Security Secretary Marcus Welder was shot while giving a press conference to news reporters. Multiple shots were fired at Welder, and reports have confirmed that several of the bullets struck his chest and head. His condition right now remains unknown, and our prayers are with him as he fights for his life. I sound like a broken record, but it is so important to end political violence. It has no place in our society and we can’t continue down this path,” wrote Governor Joshua Adamson on the Governor’s Website. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the Welder family, Marcus and his DHS family. We need to stop the violence and begin talking to each other. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available to us. We are also in contact with Nationalist House officials and President Laylin.”

North Lorray Governor Linda Lee issued an extremely short statement on the shooting as well.

“I condemn the shooting of DHS Secretary Marcus Welder in the strongest sense and pray for his quick and full recovery.” – said Governor Linda Lee.

Other officials in the Senate and House condemned the Shooting, calling it disgraceful. Senator Joey Rigg called for a quick apprehension of the shooter and find what caused the shooter’s actions.

“How can a top Jesstopian federal official be shot in the middle of the day, and no one was captured,” said Senator Joey Rigg. “I hope and pray for DHS Secretary Welder’s speedy recovery and I pray for him and his family. We must condemn this violence. I certainly do and I am angry that this happened.”

Speaker Burmaster released a statement on the Speaker’s website. He condemned the shooting and said he would authorize any funding necessary to bring the shooter to justice.

“Today is a bad day for Jesstopia. I just learned of the unthinkable shooting of Department Of Homeland Security Marcus Welder while he was speaking to a crowd of reporters,” said Speaker Burmaster. “As Speaker and as a Human being, I condemn this shooting and will work to provide as much funding as possible to ensure the shooter is brought to justice. Shooting our political rivals or people we disagree with is undemocratic and undermines the values of our great land. My thoughts and prayers are with Sec. Welder and his family, as well as my prayers for his speedy and quick recovery. We must stop the violence. It can’t continue if we want a civil society.”