Local leaders, lawmakers react to Greenwood Park Mall Shooting

Local, state and federal officials are speaking out after the shooting that claimed the lives of three mall patrons and sent two to the hospital with life-threatening injuries following a mass shooting at the Greenwood Park Mall Sunday evening.

First responders from numerous Johnson and Marion county agencies responded to a report of a shooting at Greenwood Park Mall on U.S. 31 in Greenwood shortly around 6 p.m. Sunday.

Five people were shot during the shooting, three of which are deceased. The victims were identified Monday afternoon as Victor Gomez, 30, and husband and wife Pedro Pineda, 56, and Rosa Mirian Rivera de Pineda, 37, all of Indianapolis.

The shooter, Jonathan Douglas Sapirman, 20, of Greenwood, was shot by a man police are calling a good Samaritan.

Elisjsaha Dickens, 22, of Seymour, was lawfully carrying a gun, while at the mall with his girlfriend, said Jim Ison, Greenwood Police chief. Because of Dickens intervention, lives were saved, Ison said.

The two survivors were taken to Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis and are in stable condition.

Here are some statements from local and state officials and candidates in the aftermath of the shooting.

Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers

Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers said the shooting was a tragedy that hit at the “core of our community” in a statement issued at 8:09 p.m. Sunday

“Please offer your prayers to the victims and our first responders,” he said.

In a subsequent statement issued at 9:30 p.m Sunday, Myers said he was grateful for the armed citizen who police are calling a good Samaritan for saving lives.

“On behalf of the city of Greenwood, I am grateful for his quick action and heroism in this situation,” Myers said.

Johnson County Democratic Party

“We are sickened to learn the wave of gun violence across the country has now come to our community. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and killed by this violence. We also wish to thank all of the law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel who responded and assisted today at Greenwood Park Mall,” party officials said on Facebook.

State Rep. Michelle Davis

State Rep. Michelle Davis, whose district includes Greenwood, said in a statement posted to Facebook Monday morning that her heart breaks for those who lost loved ones last night, and for the Hoosiers who witnessed the “horrific and senseless act firsthand.”

“While our Johnson County community continues processing this tragedy and waits to learn more, I’m incredibly grateful for the first responders who were on the scene, and for the good Samaritan who sprung to action and was able to stop the shooter and save lives,” Davis said.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb tweeted Sunday night that he was monitoring the investigation in Greenwood and that he was thinking of the victims of this incident.

“I am monitoring the ongoing investigation in Greenwood, where Indiana State Police are assisting local authorities. Lives were lost today, and I’m thinking about all the victims of this horrible incident, now and in the days and weeks to come,” Holcomb tweeted.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita

Indiana Attorney General called the shooting “senseless” and “devastating” in a tweet Sunday night. He later praised the armed citizen who shot and killed the gunman.

“Hoosiers across the state are no doubt upset but also mobilized in care & prayer for their fellow Hoosiers,” Rokita said. “The bravery of the armed individual who took action to stop the shooter undoubtedly saved lives, and for that … I and many others are grateful.”

U.S. Sen. Todd Young

Sen. Todd Young, who lives in Bargersville, tweeted Sunday night that he was praying for the victims of the shooting.

“Terrible news tonight in my home county. Praying for the victims of a shooting at the Greenwood Park Mall. Thank you to our law enforcement officers who responded,” Young said.

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun

Sen. Mike Braun tweeted Sunday night that he was praying for the families of those who were killed and was grateful for the armed citizen who shot and killed the gunman.

“Praying for families of those killed in a senseless act of violence in Greenwood tonight, and grateful for the brave armed citizen who took action to stop the perpetrator and prevent further tragic loss of life,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Greg Pence

“Yesterday, and the coming days will be difficult for the community of Greenwood. I ask everyone to join me in praying for the victims of last night’s tragedy at Greenwood Park Mall, and those who have lost a loved one. We commend not only local and federal law enforcement agencies for their swift and coordinated response, but also the law-abiding Good Samaritan who ended the trajectory of this incident,” Pence said in an emailed statement.

Destiny Wells, Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State

“Being the kid who went to Greenwood Mall more times than she can count, I’m deeply appalled to know my home turf is yet another place overtaken by gun violence. We grieve for all of those harmed, and for the family & friends of those tragically killed. We can’t accept this reality,” Wells tweeted.

Thomas McDermott, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate

“My heart aches for those who lost loved ones today in the shooting at Greenwood Park Mall. There are simply no words for these tragedies that continue to unfold before our eyes,” McDermott said on Twitter.

Cinde Wirth, Democratic candidate for Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District

“I am sickened. Heartfelt condolences to the victims & families of the victims of today’s Greenwood Park Mall shooting. We. Do. Not. Have. To. Live. This. Way. Demand common-sense gun laws from lawmakers. Vote them out and replace with those who will,” Wirth said on Twitter.

Former Vice President and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence

Former Vice President and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said his prayers were with the fallen and injured and quoted Greenwood Police Chief James Ison in a tweet Monday morning saying the armed citizen who killed the gunman was the real hero of the day.

“Our prayers are with the fallen and injured. … God bless that Hoosier Hero,” Pence tweeted.

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