Former Family Research Council President Gary Bauer expresses "sadness and outrage" over the shooting incident at FRC's headquarters

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Aug 15, 2012, 01:42 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former Family Research Council President Gary Bauer reacted with "sadness and outrage at the news that the organization that I helped found and ran for 10 years has suffered an attack, and that a loyal and trusted employee has been shot in an incident that is being described as domestic terrorism."

Bauer, the president of American Values made the following statement: "We at American Values are heartbroken at the news of a shooting today at the Family Research Council. FRC is an outstanding organization. We know it is a faith-based organization, and we join many friends across the country in prayer for the victim and his family, as well as for FRC's dedicated staff, many of whom are close friends.

"Sadly, there are press reports that the alleged gunman opened fire after expressing his opposition to FRC's pro-family, pro-life beliefs. These are views that are widely shared by good and decent Americans across the country. Yet in recent years we have seen a disturbing level of intolerance and hate aimed at those who share traditional values, whether it is vandalism at churches or against businesses whose owners embrace traditional values, or today's shooting at the Family Research Council. I hope and pray these initial reports are incorrect. The values of the Family Research Council -- pro-life and pro-family -- are shared by millions of Americans of many backgrounds, and should not make anyone a target of violence."

"Men and women of faith must not be intimidated into silence. I am proud to stand with Tony Perkins and the FRC staff. We will proudly continue to fight the good fight for family, faith and freedom!"

SOURCE American Values