"Thoughts and Prayers" on Las Vegas Mass Shooting Offered by Ohio Republicans Who Oppose Gun Control

In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in American history last night in Las Vegas politicians and candidates across Ohio have issued statements on the massacre, which left at least 58 dead and 500 more injured.

"Thoughts and prayers" poured in from Senator Rob Portman, who benefited from more than $500,000 the NRA spent on his behalf in re-election campaigns, and who has previously voted against a ban on high-capacity magazines; Dave Yost, who is full-throated in his opposition to gun control; and Jim Renacci, a self-described staunch supporter of the Second Amendment who has raked in contributions from the NRA, of which he is also a member. Josh Mandel, who enjoys the full endorsement of the Buckeye Firearm Association, has yet to weigh in, but he did get some shooting time in this weekend.

Their hollow words are below.

We are praying for those taken from us, their families & all those injured in this attack.

— Rob Portman (@senrobportman) October 2, 2017

I'm struggling with words to respond to last night's tragedy. My heart breaks for the families & friends of those impacted.

— Rep. Jim Renacci (@RepJimRenacci) October 2, 2017

Horrified at the news from Las Vegas.

Modest proposal: focus today on the suffering, save the hot takes for another day.

— Dave Yost (@Yost4Ohio) October 2, 2017