Community leaders release statements on salon mass shooting

MADISON -- President Barack Obama, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and several other state and local leaders released statements concerning the mass shooting at Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield on Sunday, October 21st.

Three people were shot and killed, and another four were wounded after 45-year-old Radcliffe Haughton entered the salon and opened fire.

Haughton was found dead Sunday evening inside the Azana Salon & Spa -- reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials spent much of the afternoon searching for Haughton.

Haughton is reportedly the estranged husband of one of the hair stylists at the spa. The Brookfield Patch reports an Azana employee who spoke to Patch said the woman’s estranged husband was out of work and his wife was working every day to bring in money to pay the bills. However, she recently decided to leave him, and that’s when the problems started. An Azana employee told the Patch the two have two daughters, ages 12 and 21.

The president was informed of the salon mass shooting Advisor for Homeland Security, John Brennan. At 1:30 p.m., the president received a follow-up briefing from FBI Director Bob Mueller, his Chief of Staff, Jack Lew, and Advisor for Homeland Security John Brennan. 

President Obama was told there was an active shooter in Brookfield, Wisconsin and that the shooting did not appear to be terrorism-related. The president instructed the FBI to ensure that the state and local officials had the full support of the Federal government. The president and first lady also indicated their thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the shooting and their families.

In a statement, Rep. Paul Ryan said, “Janna and I were shocked and saddened by the news from Brookfield today. As our community continues to heal from August’s tragic violence, our thoughts and prayers are with today’s victims and their loved ones. Our gratitude also goes to the first responders who rushed to save lives and secure the scene.  We will not allow the evil responsible for this heartbreaking event to triumph over the spirit of the people of Wisconsin. I ask all Americans to keep those affected by this event in their hearts, minds, and prayers today.”

In a statement, Gov. Walker said, "As we wait for further details from the shooting today in Brookfield, Tonette and I send our thoughts and prayers to the victims.  Senseless acts of violence leave us with heavy hearts and many questions.  Our state will stand with the victims and their families, and we will provide them with the law enforcement and community support they need to heal in the coming days."

In a statement, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Thompson said: “I am devastated to hear the news of today’s senseless and tragic shooting. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the families of the innocent victims who were wounded today, and my heart mourns for the families who have lost a loved one."

In a statement, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.  This is yet another senseless and violent attack in Wisconsin that is tragic and heartbreaking. We all mourn this horrible loss of life.”

In a statement, Rep. Gwen Moore said, "I am deeply saddened and troubled by the news of today’s shooting in Brookfield that tragically took the lives of three members of our community. My thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those that have lost loved ones as well as the families of those injured in this senseless act of violence. We will not allow the evil responsible for this heartbreaking event to triumph over the spirit of the people of Wisconsin. I ask all Americans to keep those affected by this event in their hearts, minds, and prayers today.”

CLICK HERE for additional coverage of the Azana Salon & Spa shooting via FOX6Now.com.