Biden ‘horrified’ by Illinois stabbings that killed 4 people

President Biden said in a statement Thursday that he is “horrified” by a recent stabbing spree in Rockford, Ill.

“[First lady Jill Biden] 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,” Biden said in the statement. “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.”

In the statement, Biden also said he is “also grateful for the heroic actions of local law enforcement, who confronted the suspect and prevented the loss of more innocent life.”

Authorities said Thursday that Christian Soto, 22, has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder for the Wednesday stabbing and beating spree that resulted in the deaths of four people, according to The Associated Press. Soto has also been charged with seven counts of attempted murder and home invasion with a dangerous weapon.

“Federal law enforcement have offered all available assistance to local law enforcement as they investigate this heinous act,” Biden said in the Thursday statement.

Biden also said his 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,” Biden said. “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.”

Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), whose district covers Rockford, said Wednesday in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he is “grateful for quick actions of our police who were able to catch the suspect and prevent additional harm to our neighbors in Rockford.”

“I want the victims and their families to know I am keeping them in my thoughts and praying for those who are in recovery,” Sorensen continued in his post.

The Associated Press contributed.