Elected representatives of the Central Valley offered their comments on the shooting deaths of 50 Muslim worshippers last Friday in New Zealand:

“We all mourn the loss of life in New Zealand. Islamophobia and hate of any kind have no place in society and should not be tolerated. My thoughts are with the victims and their families as they work to pick up the pieces of this terrible tragedy.”

— Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno)

“Once again innocent people have been attacked and killed because of their faith. We stand with the people of Christchurch & our Muslim friends in Fresno who are reeling from this senseless act, and we must strengthen our resolve to counter hate & intolerance with love & humanity.”

— Fresno Mayor Lee Brand

Once again innocent people have been attacked and killed because of their faith. We stand with the people of Christchurch & our Muslim friends in Fresno who are reeling from this senseless act, and we must strengthen our resolve to counter hate & intolerance with love & humanity

— Lee Brand (@MayorLeeBrand) March 15, 2019

“Heartbroken this morning – 49 dead in #Christchurch, victims of hate and Islamophobia stoked by extremist leaders around the globe. The politics of division has real, deadly consequences, and my family today is praying for the families of the victims.”

— Congressman TJ Cox (D-Fresno)

Heartbroken this morning – 49 dead in #Christchurch, victims of hate and Islamophobia stoked by extremist leaders around the globe. The politics of division has real, deadly consequences, and my family today is praying for the families of the victims.

— Congressman TJ Cox (@RepTjCox) March 15, 2019

“Pam & I are heartbroken to hear about the horrific acts of violence in New Zealand. We must condemn all acts of terror & reject all forms of hatred. Thank you to all first responders in Christchurch & my heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones in this act of brutality.”

— Congressman Josh Harder (D-Turlock)

Pam & I are heartbroken to hear about the horrific acts of violence in New Zealand. We must condemn all acts of terror & reject all forms of hatred. Thank you to all first responders in Christchurch & my heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones in this act of brutality.

— Rep. Josh Harder (@RepJoshHarder) March 15, 2019

“The loss of life is heartbreaking and appalling, and I stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters in these tragic times. I have been in contact with the Council on Islamic American Relations offering support in any way that I or my office can.”

— Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza (District 7)

Pure Evil! We stand in complete solidarity with the Muslim community and the people of New Zealand!  Our thoughts and prayers are with all those people and their families that lost their lives or were injured. Hatred and evil and those that support it must always be denounced and defeated.  May God Bless all the victims of this heinous act.”

— Fresno City Councilmember Garry Bredefeld (District 6)

“Our City joins Christchurch in solidarity to mourn the unnecessary loss of life that took place last week, and my heart goes out to all the victims and the families who have endured this horrific tragedy.  What happened in New Zealand could happen anywhere, and I stand with my Muslim brothers and sisters in saying that Fresno will not tolerate these senseless acts of islamophobia and hate.  We must be united and recognize that our community is stronger because of our diversity. “

— Fresno City Councilmember Luis Chavez  (District 5)

GV Wire reached out to other local leaders for comment including Rep. Devin Nunes and all members of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, Fresno City Council and Clovis City Council. No other responses have been received at the time of publication.