U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., is in critical condition after being shot in the head while she was meeting with constituents outside a grocery store in Tucson. U.S. District Judge John Roll was among five people killed in the shooting.
Several others were injured.
From NPR:
“Giffords, who was re-elected to a third term in November, was hosting a ‘Congress on Your Corner’ event at a Safeway in northwest Tucson when a gunman ran up and started shooting, according to Peter Michaels, news director of Arizona Public Media.
“The suspect fired indiscriminately from about four feet away, Michaels said. A congressional official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the gunman was using an automatic weapon.
“The suspect ran off and was tackled by a bystander. He was taken into custody. Witnesses described him as in his late teens or early 20s.”
From The Associated Press:
“Little was known about the shooter in the chaos after the rampage; one official said the attack was carried out with an automatic weapon. The officials who described the events did so on condition of anonymity, saying they were not permitted to comment publicly.”
UPDATE, 1:45 p.m.
There’s lots of talk about political rhetoric and how it might have contributed to today’s shooting. It’s worth pointing out this image from Sarah Palin’s website. Palin put a target on Giffords during the election.
UPDATE, 2:20 p.m.
From U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.:
“Congresswoman Gabby Giffords is a friend of mine, a tireless advocate for military families, and one of the most talented Democratic leaders of my generation. While we do not yet have all the facts, an assassination attempt of this nature is an attack on our democratic process itself. My thoughts and prayers go out to her, her husband and family and to all the victims and their families.”
Update, 3:25 p.m.
From U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.:
“I am shocked and deeply sadden at the news that my friend and colleague Gabrielle Giffords is among those shot today in a senseless act of violence. For four years, Congresswoman Giffords has served her constituents with distinction. She is a dedicated public servant who cares deeply for the people of Arizona. My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Giffords and the family and friends of all those injured and killed in this heinous act.”
Update, 5 p.m.
From U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M.:
“Gabrielle Giffords is in my prayers, as is her family. I also offer my prayers and condolences to the family of Judge John Roll, and to the families of the staff and constituents harmed by this appalling attack.
“Gabrielle is a true public servant and a voice for the people of Arizona and the United States, and it is my honor to call her my friend. I first got to know Gabrielle in 2007, when we travelled together to Iraq to visit our troops. She has consistently been willing to join me in bipartisan efforts to serve our constituents in the Southwest. I have a profound respect for Gabrielle.
“This atrocious act is not only an attack on Gabrielle, but on the Constitution she has consistently labored to uphold, and the freedoms she fights to protect. This is an attack on all Americans: our freedom of speech, our freedom to interact with a government who will listen.
“Further, may God comfort those who lost loved ones.”
From U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.:
“This is a tragic assault on Congresswoman Giffords, her staff and her constituents. Like all Americans, I extend my sympathies to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy, and hope that Congresswoman Giffords and everyone who was injured in this terrible incident can recover.”
From U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.:
“Gabby has been my friend and colleague for years. Not only is she remarkably intelligent, Gabby is a warm and compassionate individual. Today, she was answering her call to public service when these unspeakable acts of violence took place. Gabby, her staff and all of the victims of this horrific act are my family’s thoughts and prayers.”
From Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales:
“I ask all New Mexicans to keep Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her family, staff and the victims of this tragedy in their thoughts and prayers as they struggle through this difficult time. We are a nation based on laws and discourse and this act is both unconscionable and tragically heartbreaking.
“I am truly heartbroken from today’s events and pray for the victims of this senseless act, both the deceased and those fighting for their lives.”
Update, 5:55 p.m.
From Gov. Susana Martinez:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of this morning’s tragedy involving our neighboring congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords and numerous others. New Mexicans stand with our neighbors in Arizona and with all Americans in mourning this senseless violence and loss of life, and we expect the full measure of justice to be served. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and loved ones who are grieving. And for those who are currently under the care of physicians, we pray for their full recovery.”
Update, 9:15 p.m.
From state GOP Chairman Monty Newman:
“Today, political affiliation is overshadowed by shared tragedy as we collectively mourn the horrific acts which occurred in Tucson.
“I echo the sentiments Governor Martinez made earlier and hope that justice will be swift for the individual responsible. As details continue to be released, we will grieve alongside the people of Arizona. We pray for doctors’ wisdom, for victims who are recovering, and for families who are suffering the loss of a loved one.”