Dem Chairman Gwatney Killed
Democratic Party of Arkansas chairman Bill Gwatney was hospitalized in critical condition following a shooting at party headquarters today, the AP reports. Gwatney was fatally wounded and died several hours later.
Update: The suspect in the shooting died following a police chase that led into Grant County, also according to the AP. This MSNBC report adds that the suspect’s name was Tim Johnson, 50, of Searcy, Ark. Early reports indicate that Johnson may have been a disgruntled former employee of one of Gwatney’s auto dealerships. At this point, the shooter’s motive remains unclear, and police say he appears to have had no prior relationship with Gwatney.
Update to the update: Washington Post reports on Bill and Hillary Clinton issuing statement of condolence on Gwatney’s passing. A sad day, indeed. More from the AP’s Andrew Demillo here.
My thoughts and prayers are with Chairman Gwatney and his family.
That is the saddest thing. I can’t believe how depraved this world has become.
I was at the RPA Headquarters when this happened. I have a brief report on my blog.
Republicans and Democrats alike are pulling for Bill and his family. This is terrible news.