President Biden on Rockford stabbing attack: ‘Senseless violence’
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ROCKFORD, Ill. — President Joe Biden on Thursday lamented the murderous rampage in Rockford that claimed the lives of four people Wednesday and left seven others injured.
Biden’s comment came after 22-year-old Christian Soto, was identified as the suspect in Wednesday’s bloodshed. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara identified the victims as 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb, 49-year-old mail carrier Jay Larson, 63-year-old Ramona Schupbach, and her son, 23-year-old Jacob Schupbach.
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Jill and I were horrified to learn of the brutal attack carried out in Rockford last night, which took the lives of four people, including one fifteen-year-old. Seven others were tragically wounded as a result of this senseless violence. We are praying for the families of those who lost loved ones, and hoping that all those injured make a full recovery. We are also grateful for the heroic actions of local law enforcement, who confronted the suspect and prevented the loss of more innocent life.
Federal law enforcement have offered all available assistance to local law enforcement as they investigate this heinous act. In the meantime, my Administration will do everything in its power to help the people of Rockford and the broader community recover from this traumatic event.
Families across America want the same thing: the freedom to feel safe in their community. That is my priority and the reason we’ve made major investments to provide communities with resources and law enforcement officers to prevent and fight crime. This tragic event is a reminder that we must continue to ensure that our police and first responders have the support they need to do their jobs and keep us safe.”
Statement from President Joe Biden
All told, authorities said 11 people in total were killed or injured in the brutal attacks.
Soto is also charged with seven counts of attempted murder and home invasion with a dangerous weapon following the attacks in Rockford on Wednesday.
Court and jail records show Soto appeared in court briefly Thursday afternoon and remains held without bond. He is next due in court on Tuesday, when a judge will determine whether he stays in jail pending trial.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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