NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Local officials are speaking out after there were 2 mass shootings in 13 hours.
In a matter of seconds, a gunman killed several people and injured dozens in a mass shooting in Ohio Sunday morning. For Metro Council Member Brett Withers, Dayton is his hometown, and his heart breaks for the victims and their families.
"It's just tragic again to have a bunch of folks in an area just hanging out on a Saturday night, having a good time, and have that happen," Withers said.
Withers spent the morning checking in with relatives and friends to make sure they were okay.
"East 5th Street is kind of a Main Street, a real entertainment district today, and so I really liken it to 5 points, and that's one of the things I thought about this morning, is it would be like that happening here in the 5 points area of Nashville," Withers said.
The Dayton shooting came on the heels of a mass shooting at a Texas Walmart.
"It could happen anywhere and that is really what is so chilling about it," Withers said.
Governor Bill Lee issued a statement on Twitter saying, "In the aftermath of the evil we’ve witnessed in OH and TX, Maria and I are praying for the victims, their families and all those grieving this senseless loss of life. We also pray for healing throughout our nation as we all join together to condemn these heartbreaking attacks.— Governor Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) August 4, 2019"
Mayor David Briley also tweeted saying, "Today we awake to news of yet another mass shooting in America, this one less than 24 hours after the last. We cannot wait any longer to put an end to this senseless violence. It’s time for federal and state action for gun reform — now. https://t.co/kLiXY5Te8n— Mayor David Briley (@MayorBriley) August 4, 2019"
As the country mourns, Council Member Withers hopes his hometown of Dayton will be able to heal.
"It's a united community, when they have tragedies they really come together," Withers said.
