Here is the statement on last night’s shooting from State Sen. Mike Gibbons, whose district includes Kirkwood. Gibbons got his start in politics after being elected to the Kirkwood city council in 1986.

We have suffered a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. Council members Connie Karr and Mike Lynch, City Public Works Director Ken Yost, and Police officers Sergeant Bill Biggs and Officer Tom Ballman were lost working for us, and our hearts and prayers are with their families and friends.

They were vital members of our community, and they will be missed.

Our hopes and prayers for a speedy recovery are with Mayor Mike Swoboda and Suburban Journals’ reporter Todd Smith.

Now is a time to weep; a time to mourn. Then will be the time to heal. And heal we will. We will never be the same, but we will come together, support each other, and rise above this.