'Horrific': Minnesota Officials React To Mass Shooting At St. Paul Bar
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called a mass shooting at a St. Paul bar that left one woman dead and 14 people injured "horrific," and pledged to work with local law enforcement in investigating the violence.
Walz is one of many officials who have put out statements following the midnight shootout at Seventh Street Truck Park. Three men have been arrested in connection with the shooting.
MORE: 3 Men Arrested After 'Hellish' Shootout At St. Paul Bar Leaves 1 Dead, 14 Injured
"Minnesota is keeping in our hearts the family of the young woman killed and the 14 others injured, and the St. Paul neighborhood reeling from this senseless gun violence," Walz said. "We're working in close coordination with local law enforcement as they apprehend those responsible."
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said the community "is devastated by the shocking scenes from last night."
"As our Saint Paul officers work to bring those responsible for these senseless acts into custody, our work to build more proactive and comprehensive public safety strategies is more urgent than ever," Carter said. "We will never accept violence in our community."
WATCH: Full Police Press Conference On Shooting At St. Paul Bar
St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell said "hearts are broken" in the wake of the shooting.
"I spoke with the homicide victim's family this morning and they are absolutely devastated," Axtell said. "I am incredibly proud of the exhausted women and men of the SPPD. We will bring justice to the victims."
Sen. Tina Smith also responded.
"We are all shattered by the senseless gun violence that exploded in St Paul last night," Smith said. "As Mayor Carter said, we must commit ourselves to a comprehensive public safety effort, and bring those responsible to justice."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar called it an "appalling tragedy."
Sen. Paul Gazelka posted a video message to Twitter, calling for "more police on the streets" in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
State Rep. Athena Hollins tweeted out "My heart is aching for my city today."
Lt Gov. Peggy Flanagan released a statement saying in part "everyone deserves to be safe and protected in our communities."
Congresswoman Betty McCollum, who represents St. Paul, said in a statement, "I know our Saint Paul community will come together to support the victims and their families."
The three suspects are being treated at local hospitals for injuries sustained in the shooting. WCCO does not typically name suspects until prosecutors charge them with a crime.
