In Saturday night statements, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris mourned the death of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, emphasizing that their prayers are with his loved ones.
“I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death. It is as tragic as it is reprehensible,” Biden said in his statement.
Harris strongly condemned Hamas as well, calling it “an evil terrorist organization” and emphasizing that it now has “even more American blood on its hands.”
“The threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel—and American citizens in Israel—must be eliminated and Hamas cannot control Gaza,” she said in the statement, which was made in her official capacity as vice president, not her presidential campaign.
Reactions from lawmakers also began rolling in, with members of Congress sharing that they were “heartbroken” and grieving with the families of the hostages.
“I am absolutely heartbroken by the deaths of several hostages held by Hamas, including US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin,” Rep. Michael McCaul, R—TX, said in a post on X. “These innocent people should all be home today with their families; instead they were murdered by terrorists.”
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D—Fla., extended her condolences to Goldberg-Polin’s parents. “Rachel and Jon, you ensured the world knew of his goodness. You honored his life and your love for 331 days. May his memory be for the blessing he was to so many,” she said.