RUFUS – Following the murder of Joseph Cooke yesterday morning, Federal Crimes Investigation Service Director Lorenzo Marley confirmed that the agency ruled his death an assassination and will charge on the federal level. Joseph Cooke is the eldest nephew of Senator Thomas Cooke, and served as the Mesa State Representative for it’s 6th District from 2012 until 2015.

State officials at the Mesa State capitol where shocked to learn of the assassination of the former colleague and condemned the violence against him. State Governor Joshua Adamson lowered flags to half staff until midnight tomorrow morning.

“Joe was a person who you could depend on and was willing to help in any way he could,” said State Representative Tristan Stuart. “We worked on several projects back in 2013 and we worked well together on several state caps insulin prices. He will be missed and this animal that caused his family pain must be caught.”

“Political violence has not place in our society and we will investigate and find the person responsible for Joseph’s death,” said FCIS Director Lorenzo Marley. “There is no reason for this senseless act, and the increasing political violence needs to stop. Bitterness between parties is causing the increase in political assassinations.”

House Majority Leader Jared Gaetz also condemned the assassination calling it “undemocratic.” In a statement he said that government is the only people to turn the rhetoric that has led to so many assassinations and assassination attempts against Government officials.

Other officials condemned the shooting, issuing condolence messages to Sen. Thomas Cooke and his family who are navigating this loss. Senators have sent the Cooke family messages of support. State leadership in Mesa are also intending to push for State murder charges alongside Federal charges.