Arkansas politicians and law enforcement Monday morning offered condolences to the victims of a mass shooting in Las Vegas, where a gunman rained down bullets on an outdoor county music festival from the 32nd floor of a hotel-casino, killing at least 58 people. More than 500 were hurt.
"It's hard to fathom the horrific shooting," Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a news release. "It was a senseless, murderous act, and my heart and prayers are with the families, as well as the first responders."
He wrote that the shooting "reinforces and accelerates the necessity of effective security plans at major public events."
The U.S. flag and the state flag of Arkansas will hang at half-mast until sunset Friday, according to the release.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless shooting in Las Vegas. My thoughts and prayers are with all victims and their families," U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton tweeted.
[RELATED: Latest updates as they come in from Las Vegas]
U.S. Sen. John Boozman and Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also expressed sympathy for the victims and gratitude for law enforcement and medical officials on Twitter.
"Sending thoughts & prayers to all involved w/ tragic events in #LasVegas. Thankful for heroic actions of law enforcement & first responders," Boozman said.
Rutledge said she had spoked with her friend Adam Laxalt, the attorney general of Nevada, and added that she was "Praying for the many victims, their families, law enforcement and first responders involved in #vegasshooting. May God give them strength!"
[REACTION: Arkansas officials, law enforcement respond to Las Vegas shooting]
The dead included at least three off-duty police officers from various departments who were attending the concert, authorities said. Two on-duty officers were wounded, one critically, the Associated Press reported.
On Twitter, the Little Rock Police Department offered thoughts and prayers for the victims and sent condolences to the families of the officers killed.
Arkansas' four Republican congressmen also responded to the tragedy, calling it "despicable" and "pure evil."
U.S. Rep. French Hill sent a news release condemning the "massacre."
“I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack on innocent lives in Las Vegas. Martha and I are praying for the families and victims of this senseless act of evil,” Hill said in the release. “We must continue to work together to stop this kind of terror.”
On Twitter, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack wrote that his prayers "are with the victims, families, and first responders."
"It was hard to read the news of #LasVegas this morning, I can't imagine the pain of victims' families. My thoughts are with you all," U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford said.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman condemned the "despicable act," adding: "The mass murder in Las Vegas this morning was pure evil."
Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola posted a statement on Facebook and Twitter on Monday evening, writing that America "cannot and will not accept violence as the norm in our country — whether it be this indescribable mass shooting, gang-related violence, or domestic violence that also happens far too frequently."
Stodola wrote that "tough conversations" need to happen in response to violence.
"Enough is enough," he said.
[STORY + VIDEO: Trump condemns 'act of pure evil' in Las Vegas]
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.