Rep. Duncan Hunter* and his Democratic challenger Ammar Campa-Najjar both offered condolences after the deadly shooting at Chabad of Poway.
Hunter said Saturday’s attack and one against a mosque in Escondido last month are “not who we are” in a tweet.
“Just as with the mosque arson attack in Escondido several weeks ago, I support our law enforcement in finding those responsible for these crimes and prosecuting them fully. These acts of violence have no place in #SanDiegoCounty, it’s not who we are,” he tweeted.
Campa-Najjar said he was “devastated” by “an act of terror, purposely committed on a sacred Jewish holy day.” The attack came on the last day of Passover.
“I’m devastated to learn a gunman killed and injured members of the Chabad of Poway synagogue today, the last day of Passover. This was an act of terror, purposefully committed on a sacred Jewish holy day commemorating the liberation of an oppressed people from slavery,” said Campa-Najjar in a statement.
“I’m praying for the victims, grateful to law enforcement for their swift action, and demand the gunman be brought to justice for massacring innocent people peacefully practicing their religious freedom. This will not stand.”
Rep. Mike Levin of North County called Saturday a tragic day for San Diegans and Americans everywhere.
“An attack on the Jewish community – or any religious group – is an attack on all Americans,” said the congressional freshman raised in both Jewish and Christian faiths. “We must reject the political and cultural environment that allows this type of hate and bigotry to find safe harbor.”
Levin also said it is “long past time that we take strong action to end the epidemic of gun violence in this country.”
“Earlier this year, the House passed HR8, which would put common sense gun safety measures in place,” he said. “While we don’t yet know if it would have prevented today’s attack, we do know that it would help end the plague of senseless gun violence, and I implore the Senate to take up this bipartisan legislation immediately.”
Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren were among many expressing their grief.
Jill and I are devastated to hear about today’s shooting at the Chabad Poway synagogue. No one should have to worship in fear.
As a country, we must speak out against bigotry and gun violence. We’re in the battle for the soul of this nation—and it’s on all of us to act.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 28, 2019
I’m heartsick for the victims of today’s horrific attack at the Chabad of Poway and their families. No one should ever have to face hatred and violence in a place of worship. It’s on all of us to stand up to the rising threat of anti-semitism, racism, and hate.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 27, 2019
Yet again a place of worship is the target of senseless gun violence and hate. Anti-Semitism is real in this country and we must not be silent – enough is enough. My heart aches for the Chabad of Poway synagogue and the Jewish community.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 27, 2019
Appreciated the call from @realDonaldTrump.
Working with state, local, and federal officials on today’s horrific shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue.
We all must call out hate — against any and all communities — wherever it lives.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 28, 2019
Prayers for Chabad Congregation in Poway.
— Carl DeMaio (@carldemaio) April 27, 2019
CBP extends our deepest condolences to those who were attacked today while attending services at the Chabad of Poway. We’ve learned that one of our own off-duty Border Patrol agents was present & took actions that may have prevented additional loss of life. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/LBMQ2AOZC3
— CBP (@CBP) April 28, 2019
We are deeply saddened by news of the senseless shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue today. Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) April 27, 2019
I am sickened to learn of the shooting at Congregation Chabad of Poway. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Poway community. https://t.co/DnbTNmxSuV
— Rep. Juan Vargas (@RepJuanVargas) April 27, 2019
We are closely following the situation surrounding today’s shooting at Chabad synagogue in Poway, CA. We remain deeply grateful to first responders & community members working to protect their neighbors. We share in the grief of all who have been affected & their families.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) April 27, 2019
While we’re still looking at information, the number of hate crimes & anti-Semitic acts in America is increasing at an alarming rate.
The shooting at Chabad of Poway is devastating, and such anti-Semitism at the end of Passover is sickening.
We must end gun violence in America.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 27, 2019
Just left the command center, I am heartbroken for our community, especially the members of Chabad of Poway. This kind of hate & violence has no place in our community, our state, our nation. Thanks to @SDSOPoway & @SanDiegoPD for the quick response & apprehension of the suspect.
— Brian Maienschein (@BMaienschein) April 27, 2019
It took some time to compose my thoughts in the shadow of today’s attacks. We are beyond the issuance of thoughts and prayers and so I offer, Sympathy, Solidarity, Support… and Action.
My statement, as Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. https://t.co/bIdVvmGQYe
— W. Rodriguez-Kennedy (@willrk787) April 28, 2019
*Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that Poway is part of Rep. Hunter’s district.
Updated at 11:10 a.m. April 29, 2019