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'We can and must do better' | DC, Maryland, Virginia leaders react to UVA's deadly shooting

Following the tragedy of the shooting, leaders across the DMV offered their condolences on a shooting that left 3 football players dead and 2 students injured.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. โ€” Virginia leaders have released statements after three people were killed and two others were injured in a shooting on the campus of the University of Virginia late Sunday night. A manhunt ended as UVA police announced in a press conference Monday morning that the student is in custody.

Police were on the ground searching for a person named Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. regarding the shooting incident. He is believed to be armed and dangerous, university president Jim Ryan and police said Monday.

UVA Police said Jones was last seen wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans, and red shoes and may be driving a black SUV with Virginia tags TWX3580.

Following the tragedy of the shooting, leaders across Virginia took to Twitter.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

"This morning, Suzanne and I are praying for the UVA community. Virginia State Police is fully coordinating with UVA police department and local authorities. Please shelter in place while the authorities work to locate the suspect. For family and friends with questions about the event, @UVA has established an Emergency Hotline at 877-685-4836."

Governor Larry Hogan

"Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and everyone at UVA. Maryland stands ready to assist any way we can."

Representative Northern Virginia Don Beyer

"Heartbroken for the UVA community, and for the families of the three people killed and two wounded in last nightโ€™s awful mass shooting. My thanks to first responders working to keep UVA safe. I will be pressing my colleagues to do more to stop these mass shootings from happening."

Vice President Kamala Harris

"Our prayers are with the family of the victims, and this is yet a constant reminder that we have to do better in terms of gun safety laws in our country. But there's still more work to be done. And we're going to require and ask the Congress to have the courage. But that will not take away the loss of the family have experienced and it's tragic."

Attorney General of Virginia Jason Miyares

"Prayers for our UVA Family and community this morning. The Office of Attorney General is working with federal and state law enforcement and they are actively investigating the case. We will provide more information at the appropriate time."

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine

" Heartbroken to hear of another Virginia community devastated by gun violence. Praying for the UVA community and closely monitoring the situation. Please follow the directions of law enforcement at @UVApolice. We must take further action to make our communities safer."

U.S. House of Representatives Abigail Spanberger

" Iโ€™m heartbroken for the @UVA community over the shooting on Grounds. The shooter remains at large, so please stay vigilant as we await more information."

Norfolk City Councilmember Andria McClellan

"I am absolutely heartbroken for the families who have lost loved ones and devastated for my UVa family. One of the places I felt safest in my life were the Grounds of UVa. This is now shattered. Sending of safety for all students and faculty."  

U.S. Senator from Virginia Mark Warner

"Thinking of all impacted by the tragic act of violence on UVaโ€™s campus. Please continue to follow all guidance from local law enforcement as they continue to coordinate the search for the perpetrator."

Warner added "Iโ€™m thankful for the hard work of local law enforcement in bringing the suspect of the shooting at UVa into custody. My thoughts are still with the families of the victims and the entire Charlottesville community. We must continue working to address the epidemic of gun violence."

Virginia State Legislator Sally Hudson

"Devastating news for the Charlottesville community. Please continue to mind emergency guidance from @UVA_EM. Anyone can opt-in to alerts by texting UVA to 226787."

Senator of Virginia Jennifer McClellan 

" Words are inadequate at this moment. Keeping the @UVA and Charlottesville/Albemarle community in my prayers as they shelter in place. Follow @UVA_EM for updates."

Senator Dick Saslaw

"I am devastated by the news coming from the University of Virginia this morning. My deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims. This violence is unacceptable. We must do better."

Delegate for Virginia's 42nd House District 

"I'm horrified by the shooting at UVA last night. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Students and Charlottesville residents, please stay safe. Follow @UVA_EM for updates."

Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Winsome Earle-Sears

"Praying for those at UVA."

Warner added hours later, "We deeply mourn with the families of the victims at UVA whose loved ones were so terribly ripped from them. We pray the survivors fully recover. Violence solves nothing. Please pray for peace and healing."

U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly 

"Heartbroken by the news at UVA and praying for the safety of students, staff, faculty, and members of the community. If you need alerts, you can opt-in by texting UVA to 226787."

Delegate Suhas Subramanyam

"My thoughts are with the victimsโ€™ families and the Charlottesville community today. Please remain alert and cautious until the suspect is in custody."

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando

My heart aches for the three young men killed and those injured in a senseless act of gun violence at the University of Virginia last night. My prayers are with the families of Lavel Davis, Jr., D'Sean Perry and Devin Chandler. We can and must do better. 

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