2020 presidential candidates react to North Philly mass shooting of police

Updated Aug. 15

After six Philadelphia police officers were wounded in a seven-hour standoff and gun battle in North Philly on Wednesday evening, presidential candidates did what they do best: weighed in on Twitter.

As the hostage situation continued to play out at 15th and Erie in the Nicetown neighborhood, at least 11 aspiring commanders-in-chief shared their thoughts, prayers and perspectives on policy. It’s the first time a major breaking news event in Philadelphia has spurred this many reactions from the 2020 field.

Former Vice President Joe Biden

.@DrBiden and I send our prayers to the police officers injured today in Philadelphia, and to their families who wake up every day knowing that their loved ones are walking into harm's way when they put on the badge. We're grateful for the selfless work they do to keep us safe. https://t.co/0G4h7QcTrc
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 15, 2019

Mayor Pete Buttigieg

There are a lot of questions we don't have answers to right now. What we do know is that this will be a long night for too many families in Philadelphia. Our hearts are with them. Our resolve and commitment are with them in the long days to come.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 15, 2019

Former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Julián Castro

It is devastating that so many families are suffering, or losing the people they love, while we wait to make the substantial gun reform we need to keep people in our country safe.

Our hearts are with the people of Philadelphia tonight.
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) August 14, 2019

U.S. Senator from California Kamala Harris

Law enforcement across the country put their lives on the line every day for their communities. My thoughts are with the police officers who were shot in Philadelphia and my heart is with the city. https://t.co/7bPHbORz0u
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 14, 2019

Governor Jay Inslee

My heart is with Philadelphia tonight. https://t.co/KxAv4hmH6I
— Jay Inslee (@JayInslee) August 14, 2019

Former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke

When the shooting began in El Paso, first responders across our city ran towards danger. A reminder of what police officers across America risk to serve their communities each day. Thinking of Philadelphia, and everyone impacted by this gun violence epidemic we need to end. https://t.co/M68bREhkPp
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 15, 2019

Former Congressman Joe Sestak

Multiple police officers wounded in an active Philadelphia shootout. Thoughts to those who serve us every day in imminent danger… may our officers in Philadelphia make it home soon, for they serve as selflessly as their military brethren. https://t.co/7Ngpxfk5lw
— Joe Sestak (@JoeSestak) August 14, 2019

President Donald Trump

The Philadelphia shooter should never have been allowed to be on the streets. He had a long and very dangerous criminal record. Looked like he was having a good time after his capture, and after wounding so many police. Long sentence – must get much tougher on street crime!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 15, 2019

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren

I'm heartsick for the Philadelphia officers and their loved ones, and grateful for the brave first responders helping people get to safety.

We don't have to live like this. We must pass gun reform laws to end the gun violence epidemic—now. https://t.co/r0OKa1tVnc
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 15, 2019

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker

Philadelphia Mayor: “Our officers need help. They need help. They need help with gun control. They need help with keeping these weapons out of these people’s hands.” https://t.co/0Z5DJDEsnH pic.twitter.com/ZskSqrKYLf
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 15, 2019

Author and entrepreneur Marianne Williamson

Prayers for police officers, all Philadelphians during today’s crisis. Time for fundamental break with past: universal background checks, outlaw bump stocks & assault weapons, close loopholes. Need personal, cultural & political commitment to peace – or the violence will continue
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) August 14, 2019

Entrepreneur Andrew Yang

Thank you to the brave police officers and first responders in Philly doing everything they can to keep us safe. These scenes should not be possible in the US.
— Andrew Yang🧢⬆️🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) August 14, 2019