Mayor Hopewell Issues Statement, Extends Condolences From Pres. & Mrs. Obama

Kalamazoo City and Public Safety officials spoke with President Barack Obama this morning, regarding the events of this past Saturday night, that left six victims fatally shot and two others seriously wounded.

In a city press release, "The President expressed condolences on behalf of himself, the First Lady and the First Family for the victims, their families, and the community. He also offered any federal law enforcement assistance needed for this case, and commended the local officials and first responders for their quick apprehension of the suspect."

Obama spoke with Mayor Bobby Hopewell, Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley, Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller and other City officials.

In the same release, Hopewell issued this formal statement:
“Our community grieves for the victims and families of Saturday’s tragic and heart breaking events. At this time we don’t know what prompted the shooter to act in this evil, ugly way. To the best of our knowledge they were senseless and random acts of violence which could have occurred anywhere. What we do know is that Kalamazoo is, and will continue to be, a great and caring community.

As a community, our first priority must be supporting the victims and their families. We must come together in their support- including the shooter’s family, who were also innocent victims in this tragedy.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Medical Services paramedics and all of the law enforcement professionals involved in apprehending this suspect. Their outstanding work led to the apprehension of this individual before any more lives could be lost, and their efforts will continue until justice can be served for the victims of these heinous crimes.

I grieve along with the rest of our community, region, and nation, for the victims’ families and our community. Kalamazoo has become one of the far too many communities in our country where this type of violence has claimed innocent lives. We have always stepped up when challenged, and we will stand together in this sad time. We cannot be fearful, but must instead unite and show the love and compassion that defines us as a community.”