IHOP SHOOTING: Community leaders mourn for victims

Federal, state and city officials joined the Nevada National Guard in mourning the victims of the shooting at the Carson City IHOP on Tuesday morning that left eight injured and four dead, including the gunman.

Mayor Bob Crowell said he heard the news at home on a police scanner as he was leaving his house for the morning.

"My first reaction was that it's unbelievable something like this would happen in our community," he said. "After that, I wanted to make sure everything was being done that needed to be done. The sheriff was right on top of things."

Although Crowell said that although he is dismayed at the negative attention being drawn to Nevada's capital city, his main concern is for the victims and their families.

"It's a tremendous tragedy," he said. "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families and loved ones."

Five of those shot, two of whom were killed, were members of the Nevada National Guard.

Throughout the war on terrorism, three National Guardsmen have been killed.

"The loss of any Guardsman is a loss, and we feel it the same no matter the manner in which they died," said Maj. April Conway, public affairs officer.

She said the ceremonies to recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks will proceed as planned.

"It's undeniable this will make any 9/11 ceremony a little more poignant," she said. "We're going to grieve 9/11 regardless. This will mean more people our folks will keep in their thoughts."

Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka said the mood at the joint headquarters for the Nevada National Guard, where increased security measures were put in place after Tuesday's shootings, was somber.

"We are all dumbfounded and in disbelief," he said. "Carson City is the last place you would expect something like this."

Crowell said he received a phone call almost immediately from Gov. Brian Sandoval offering support. Aid also came in from neighboring law enforcement agencies, along with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"The coordination of our first responders, from my vantage point, has been tremendous," Crowell said. "They're all working quite well together."

Sandoval ordered all flags be flown at half-staff until dusk Friday in honor of the Guardsmen who were killed.

"Kathleen and I wish to extend our sympathy to the victims of this morning's Carson City shooting and their families," he said in a prepared statement.

Seeliger Elementary School, the closest campus to the scene of the shooting, went into a lockdown after hearing the news, said vice principal Wayland Denny.

Although Sheriff Kenny Furlong called to tell school officials that it was safe, Denny said they opted to keep children inside during the first recess of the day.

"We didn't hesitate," he said. "You train and you train for this kind of thing, so we all just knew what to do."

Sens. Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Harry Reid, D-Nev., also offered their condolences through prepared statements.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of today's tragic event in Carson. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims as well as their families and loved ones," Heller's statement said. "I commend the medical and law enforcement communities for their professionalism during this crisis."

Reid echoed that sentiment.

"I'm deeply saddened by this senseless act and extend my sympathies to those afflicted this morning," he said in his statement. "I applaud the first responders for their professionalism, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time."

Crowell urged members of the community to pull together.

"Our community is safe," he said. "And our community will get through this."