Thinkprogress:
The AP reports that Bill Gwatney, chairman of the Arkansas Democratic Party, is currently hospitalized and in critical condition after three shots were fired at party headquarters. According to Gwatney’s secretary, the suspect — who has been “shot and apprehended” — came “into the party’s office and asked to speak with Gwatney. When the secretary said she wouldn’t allow him to meet with Gwatney, the man went into his office and shot him.”
The blog of the Arkansas Times is keeping up with developments here.
Breaking news!!!! Very tragic.: Arkansas Democratic Party chairman dies after shooting.
Update one: Moments before the Democratic headquarters shooting, a man with a gun threatened the building manager of the Arkansas State Baptist Convention headquarters seven blocks east. It wasn't known if the incidents were related.
Dan Jordan, the denomination's business manager, said the building manager asked the man what was wrong and that he said "I lost my job."
Update 2: Statements from lawmakers prior to breaking news of Gwatney's death.
STATEMENT FROM BARACK OBAMA
“I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragedy in Arkansas. We’re all grateful for the quick action of law enforcement and quick thinking by Chairman Gwatney’s staff, and Michelle and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers.”
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC NEWS RELEASE
National Democratic Party Chair Howard Dean issued this statement::
"This senseless tragedy comes as a shock to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chairman Gwatney and his family and we pray for his full and speedy recovery. While the investigation of this shooting continues, and our primary concern remains with Bill and his family, we commend the courageous and speedy action of law enforcement officials in apprehending the suspect."
STATEMENT FROM SEN. BLANCHE LINCOLN
“I am absolutely shocked and dismayed. I was just with Bill Monday in Fort Smith, and as always, he was bright and positive about the future of Arkansas and this country. In a horrific circumstance such as this, my immediate response is to pray. My prayers are with Bill and his family.”
STATEMENT FROM BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON
“We are stunned and shaken by today’s shooting at the Arkansas Democratic Party where our good friend and fellow Democrat Bill Gwatney was critically wounded. Bill is not only a strong chairman of Arkansas’ Democratic Party, but he is also a cherished friend and confidante. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family today and we wish him a quick recovery.”
EMIL TURNER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ARKANSAS BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION
On Wednesday, August 13, 2008, a gunman entered the offices of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. No employee or guest was physically harmed during the incident.
However, just a few blocks away, Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney was critically injured during a shooting at the state office of the Democratic Party.
The details and stories will be told for days to come through the local and national media, but the greater story involves the emotional and spiritual needs of those directly affected by these events. Their lives will be marked by painful memories and unresolved questions.
Please join us today in praying for Bill Gwatney, the gunman, and their families.
REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN DENNIS MILLIGAN
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the tragic death of Democrat Party Chairman Bill Gwatney. He was an admirable Arkansan and gave so much to this state and his party.
We ask that all Arkansans stand together in thought and prayer for the Gwatney family and the staff of the DPA.
[At the time this statement was released, Gwatney's death had not been officially announced, but his prognosis was believed to be dire. A Republican spokesman said later that Sen. Gilbert Baker had been informed of the death before the statement was sent.]
STATEMENT FROM U.S. SEN. MARK PRYOR
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gwatney family. Bill was a dedicated public servant who worked hard every day to make Arkansas a better place. He worked tirelessly to lift up working families both as a state legislator and through his leadership at the state Democratic party. Bill inspired, taught and led in so many positive ways, and for that we will always be grateful. Bill was my friend and I will miss him.
Update 3: DNC Statement on Passing of Arkansas Democratic Party Chair Bill Gwatney
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, DNC Vice Chair Lottie Shackelford, and former mayor of Little Rock, and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer, the President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs, issued the following statement on the passing of Arkansas Democratic Party Chair Bill Gwatney: "On behalf of the Democratic Party our thoughts and prayers are with Chairman Gwatney's family and friends and the extended Democratic family in Arkansas. With this senseless act of violence we have lost a good friend and honorable man. Bill will be remembered for his hard work and dedication to the Party, and he will be sorely missed."
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