Lawmakers tweet prayers after shooting

Several lawmakers tweeted prayers for the victims of Monday’s shooting at Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard. [WATCH VIDEO]

At least 12 were killed and eight others were wounded at and around the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters, according to local law enforcement.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced on the Senate floor that the upper chamber would adjourn until Tuesday morning because of the shooting. 

I’ve spoken with the Sergeant at Arms, and in light of the events at the Navy Yard, we will recess the Senate until tomorrow morning.

— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) September 16, 2013

Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), who was a colonel in the Army National Guard, was the first to tweet about it at 8:12 a.m.

Prayers for the safety of our sailors and all those at Washington Navy Yard.

— Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) September 16, 2013

“Many of those who serve there in military and civilian roles live in my district, and while we do not yet know all the details about who carried out this terrible shooting, there is no doubt that it has shaken the Navy, the greater Washington D.C. community, and our nation as a whole,” said Steny Hoyer, House Democratic Whip, in a statement Monday afternoon.

There were conflicting reports Monday morning about whether more than one shooter was involved.

“It is sad and tragic that we once again find ourselves trying to grapple with another mass shooting,” Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) said in a statement. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the survivors. This tragic and senseless loss of life is only made worse by the fact that it appears at least some of the victims were serving the country in uniform.”

The shooting was first reported at 8:20 a.m.

Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), tweeted around 9:40 a.m. that he hoped the shooter would be captured quickly.

My thoughts are with all those affected by the #NavyYardShooting
We hope for a quick capture of the shooter and safety for all in the area.

— Rep. Jack Kingston (@JackKingston) September 16, 2013

An hour or so later, multiple reports said police had cornered the suspect in the building. The Associated Press reported shortly after 11:30 a.m. that a federal law enforcement official said a shooter had died.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on Twitter her prayers are with the victims and their families.

Prayers are w/ victims, their families, & all affected by #NavyYardShooting. Grateful for first responders who are working to secure area.

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) September 16, 2013

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), echoed Pelosi’s statement in a tweet.

Please join in saying a prayer for the victims in Washington #NavyYard, & for all the officers & first responders taking action.

— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) September 16, 2013

{mosads}Some lawmakers may have been traveling back to Washington Monday morning from their home districts where they frequently spend weekends. Both the House and Senate chambers reconvene at 2 p.m.

Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) tweeted all of her congressional staff have been accounted for, and are safe.

Awful news out of DC this morning with the Navy Yard shooting. Glad my staff is safe and accounted for. Please pray for everyone affected.

— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) September 16, 2013

Other members tweeted similar sentiments.

Following the news out of Navy Yard with great sadness. My prayers are with the victims and the first responders working to keep others safe

— Jim Langevin (@jimlangevin) September 16, 2013

Praying for everyone at the US #NavyYard this morning. As always, the courage shown by our first responders is unrivaled.

— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) September 16, 2013

Saying prayers for the victims & families @ the #NavyYardShooting in DC & the first responders at the scene. Hopeful for a quick resolution.

— John Barrow (@repjohnbarrow) September 16, 2013

Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), tweeted that he prayed for the safe evacuation of the Navy Yard area and for first responders. About 3,000 people work in the building complex where the shooting took place.

Prayers needed: for the safe evacuation of those still in the Navy Yards in DC, and for the first responders.

— Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) September 16, 2013

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), said via Twitter that she was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

Deeply saddened by tragedy @ Navy Yard in DC. Thoughts & prayers are w/ all affected–esp victims & their families & 1st responders on scene

— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) September 16, 2013

Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Texas), commented on the violence via Twitter.

My prayers are w/ victims of the shootings @ the Navy Yard in DC & their families. Random violence-& the unfairness of it all-is on my mind.

— Pete Gallego (@RepPeteGallego) September 16, 2013

None of the lawmakers who tweeted made any comments regarding gun control.

Many more have been sending their prayers via social media.

This story was updated at 4:09 p.m. It was last updated at 2:18 p.m.