Reactions to shooting of Gabrielle Giffords

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Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head on January 8, 2011 in Tucson, AZ.

Reactions

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner stated that he was "horrified", adding that: "An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve", he said. "Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society."

U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said "he was deeply horrified to learn today of the shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords and others in Tucson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and her family, her staff, and the residents of Tucson on this sad day. As this serious situation continues to develop, I remain in close communication with Democratic leaders, the Speaker's office and the Sergeant at Arms. We will remain in constant communication regarding any schedule changes.

U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called the day of the shooting "a very sad day for our country".

Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. said "We're all praying for Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and her constituents. Congresswoman Giffords is an extremely hard-worker and a fighter, and I pray that those attributes aid her as she receives treatment for her injuries."

Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona said "Today our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her family, her staff, and those injured in this horrible tragedy. Gabrielle is a selfless public servant and we are all praying for her."

Rep. Ben Quayle, son of the former Vice President of the United States, said "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting incident this morning in Tucson. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and her family and the other victims and their families."

Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, D-Ariz. said "I am sickened by the horrific attack in Tucson today and saddened by this senseless violence. This is a tragedy for Arizona, our nation, and our democracy. Gabrielle never let fear or intimidation prevent her from serving the people of Arizona. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her husband Mark, her staff, all those who were injured, and their families."

Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz. said "Joyce and I are joining hands in heartfelt prayers for Rep. Giffords and all the other victims of this tragedy. It is unconscionable and while we are still awaiting all the details, we urge all Arizonans and Americans to pray for the victims of this terrible tragedy."

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, D-Miramar, FL, said the shootings of Giffords and several other people was "senseless." "Gabby is truly a nice person, highly principled and tenacious," Hastings said. "The attack on her, staff members, constituents and bystanders is incredibly senseless. "My prayer and hope is that Gabby and all who were injured will be made whole. My condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones. Once all the facts are known, appropriate authorities should see to it that her attacker is brought to justice swiftly. All persons in America should call for our society to teach tolerance, love, and civility,".

Other U.S. politicians

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said "Please join me in prayer for the health of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and several other individuals who were shot this morning in Tucson."

U.S. President Barack Obama called the shooting an "unspeakable tragedy" and added, "What we do know is that such a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society."

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said "This senseless attack today in Tucson is a national tragedy, and all America mourns those who lost their lives in the very act of public service. I join the entire Congress in condemning this horrifying act of violence, and on behalf of the entire Senate family, Elaine and I extend our deepest expressions of sympathy and heartfelt prayers to Rep Giffords and the families of those who have been killed or injured.

Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain stated: "I am horrified by the violent attack on Representative Gabrielle Giffords and many other innocent people by a wicked person who has no sense of justice or compassion.... Whoever did this; whatever their reason, they are a disgrace to Arizona, this country and the human race, and they deserve and will receive the contempt of all decent people and the strongest punishment of the law."

Rodney Glassman, former vice-mayor of Tucson and U.S. Senate candidate said "I ask all Arizonans to join me in a prayer for Gabrielle Giffords. To my Democratic colleagues, I urge caution in placing blame. We must wait for the facts before pointing fingers. To my fellow citizens on the other side of the political aisle, I ask that you stand strong, shoulder to shoulder, with your Democratic friends against dangerous, violent rhetoric that threatens our democracy."

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who targeted Giffords for election defeat, said "My sincere condolences are offered to the family of Rep Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today's tragic shooting in Arizona. On behalf of Todd and my family, we all pray for the victims and their families, and for peace and justice."

Arizona Republican Party Chairman Ran Pullen said "Arizona's Republicans are deeply saddened and mortified by the horrific shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the other 11 victims at an event this morning in Tucson. Senseless acts of violence like these are shocking, disturbing and have no place in our country. The thoughts and prayers of all Arizonans are with the victims and families during this terrible tragedy in our state's history. We sincerely hope that the responsible party is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

AZ Secretary of State Ken Bennett said "Today's attack upon Congresswoman Giffords, staff and others attending her event in Tucson was senseless and vile. There is no twisted logic to explain this shooting, nor is there any justification. We have no room for violence in our political culture. I served with Congresswoman Giffords for four years in the Arizona State Senate. She is a gifted leader with a bright future. I pray for her full recovery, and for the recovery of others injured in today's horrific shooting. For the loved ones of those killed, I can only offer the deepest condolences of myself and my family. This is a tragic day for Arizona."

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