RUFUS – Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson has been shot according to local sources. According to reports the shooter approached the fence surrounding the Governor’s mansion where Governor Adamson was seen returning to the mansion before the shots were fired, striking the Governor.

The Governor’s security detail was able to return fire, before the shooter escaped and was chased by Mesa Highway Patrol troopers. According to the Mesa Highway Patrol, the suspect took off at speeds of 105 miles per hour before troopers lost the vehicle. Federal and State investigators say this was a targeted attack and are working to capture the suspects.

President Laylin and Vice President Bindle offered their prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery. In a post published to his GovMedia account, President Laylin said the attack on Governor Adamson was “a vile act,” and “undemocratic.”

“I just learned of the shooting of my good friend and amazing leader Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson this morning and I can’t be more angry,” wrote President Laylin on his GovMedia account. “This attack on Governor Adamson is a vile act and is extremely undemocratic. I will allow the full weight of my Justice department and federal officials to investigate and help locate the shooter. Sickening is what this shooting is. I will keep him and his wonderful family in my prayers.”

Vice President Bindle said that the act was “despicable” and vowed to “catch the animals that did this to him.” The Vice President and Adamson share a close bond and have been seen out on various occasions. Adamson was one of Bindle’s strongest defenders while the transition team tried ousting him as Laylin’s running mate in 2024.

“My prayers are with Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson and his family following a violent shooting that resulted in Josh being hurt,” posted Vice President Bindle on GovMedia. “This is a despicable[sic] act against a true leader, father and husband. We will catch the animals that did this to him.”

Other leaders including House Speaker Gregory Harks issued that full accountability for the shooting of Governor Adamson adding the need to end violent rhetoric, an issue that led to the assassination of former DHS Secretary Marcus Welder back in October.

“I am disgusted that a shooting has yet again targeted a Republican politician,” said Speaker Harks. “We can’t keep going down this path when we disagree and we need to end the violent rhetoric that leads to events like this. My heart is with Governor Adamson as he undergoes extensive care and my prayers are most definitely with the Adamson family.”

New Shire Governor David Rivera also issued a statement to his GovMedia account. He denounced the shooting and warned of letting differences turning into violence, and expressing concern over the shooting.

“We must not let our differences culminate into violence. Our nation was found on democratic principles and we must not veer from that,” wrote Governor David Rivera in a GovMedia post. “I denounce the shooting of Governor Joshua Adamson in every sense. My thoughts and prayers go out to Governor Adamson and his families as they navigate this shooting.”

Other leaders across Jesstopia’s political spectrum denounced the shooting including several Senators of both Nationalists and Republicans, and House officials and Representatives. The shooting is being investigated jointly by the Mesa Highway Patrol, Alden Police Department and Federal Crimes Investigation Service.

“We will get to the bottom of this and will charge these ruthless animals accordingly,” said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. “This brazen attack on our Governor shows that we are dealing with a targeted attack and this was likely planned months to years before it was carried out. We will not stop until the suspects are caught and we thank Alden Police Department and the Federal Crimes Investigation Service for their assistance in the investigation.”

“We do plan on Federally charging the shooter and we will stop at nothing until these criminals are brought to Justice,” said FCIS Director Barry Wilkenson. “Our resources will be directed to investigative efforts including finding witnesses, traffic cameras, apprehension of the suspects and other resources necessary in this case. Our prayers are with Governor Adamson as he recovers.”