RIGHT: U. S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, center, was among those attending Saturday’s dinner. To his right is House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and at left is Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., House Republican Policy Committee chairman. ...Submitted photo

Reactions from officials about the shooting Saturday at the White House Correspondents Dinner:

BISHOP DAVID BONNAR of the Diocese of Youngstown said, “The United States is built on freedom and respect for all. There is no room for violence that endangers the life of any human being. Moreover the issue of gun violence must be addressed. Violence is never the answer. We all must look deeper into the human heart to build each other up rather than tear each other down. We pray for peace in moments of disagreement and discord.”

Bonnar said as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday “may we live as a nation under God with liberty and justice for all.” He said a prayer for petition for the healing of divisions in our country, “that we might always strive to be one nation, under

God, and that hatred and violence will be cast out from every heart in our land and throughout the world. Let us pray to the Lord.”

ARCHBISHOP PAUL S. COAKLEY, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered the following statement:

“We are grateful that the lives of the President, those who protect him and everyone in attendance last night were spared from serious harm. Let us all pray for our elected leaders and public officials that they may receive God’s blessings. Because human life is a precious gift, there is no room for violence of any kind in our society.”

U.S. REP. MICHAEL RULLI, R-Salem, attended the dinner and posted the following statement on his Facebook page: “I would like to personally thank the U.S. Secret Service last night. I witnessed a level of professionalism I didn’t know existed.”

U.S. REP. DAVE JOYCE, R-Bainbridge, said, “I am relieved to hear the president and first lady are safe. Thank you to the Secret Service for their quick response. The political violence must end.”