Tucson, AZ -
TUCSON, AZ (RNN) - Officials from around the country, including President Barack Obama and Sarah Palin, have released the following statements in the wake of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' shooting Saturday morning:
President Barack Obama:
"This morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tucson, AZ, at a constituent meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. And while we are continuing to receive information, we know that some have passed away, and that Rep. Giffords is gravely wounded.
"We do not yet have all the answers. What we do know is that such a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society. I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping Representative Giffords, the victims of this tragedy, and their families in our prayers."
Sen. John McCain, D-AZ:
"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. I pray for Gabby and the other victims, and for the repose of the souls of the dead and comfort for their families. I beg our loving Creator to spare the lives of those who are still alive, heal them in body and spirit and return them to their loved ones.
"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."
Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-OH:
"I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff. An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured and their families. This is a sad day for our country."
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, via Twitter:
"My thoughts and prayers are with the brilliant & dedicated Rep. Giffords, her family, staff and other victims of this heartbreaking tragedy."
Sarah Palin, via Facebook:
"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."
Secretary of Defense Bill Gates:
"I am saddened to hear of the attack on Congresswoman Giffords and members of her staff earlier today in Tucson, AZ. I have had an opportunity to interact with Congresswoman Giffords in her capacity as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where she served on the Readiness and Air and Land Forces subcommittees. She is a strong supporter of America's national defense, cares deeply about our men and women in uniform and has pursued her oversight responsibilities with dedication. Our thoughts are also with her husband, Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, an aviator and astronaut of great distinction, as well as the families of the other victims of this attack. Ms. Giffords represents a new generation of principled and thoughtful political leaders that have come to Washington in recent years. We will miss her strong character and good judgment in the Congress during these important days ahead, and we are praying for her full recovery."
Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-KY:
"I was shocked to learn of the senseless attack today on Congresswoman Giffords. My prayers are with Gabby, her family, her staff, all who were injured, and their families.
"Gabby is a wonderful person who is always extremely friendly and works tirelessly to serve the people of Arizona and the country."
Rep. Paul Gosar, D-AZ, and his wife, Maude:
"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. John Yarmuth, D-KY:
"This was a shocking and cowardly act of violence against a dedicated public servant and a dear friend. Gabby is a member of our extremely close class of 2006 and we are devastated by this tragic event. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and her staff - as well as with the loved ones of the other innocent victims who were also shot today."
Arizona Republican Party Chairman Randy Pullen:
"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."
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano:
"I am deeply saddened by reports that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Chief Judge John Roll and others were attacked today in Tucson, Arizona. There is no place in our society or discourse for such senseless and unconscionable acts of violence. Gabby is a steadfast representative for southern Arizona and both she and John are dedicated public servants.
"The Department of Homeland Security has offered all possible assistance to the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Office, who are leading the investigation. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her family and staff, and all those who were injured in this difficult time."
U.S. District Court in Arizona
The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona has suffered a grievous loss today with the untimely death of Chief Judge John M. Roll, who was shot and killed when a gunman opened fire on a crowd at an event hosted by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona. Judge Roll was appointed to the federal bench in 1991, and served as chief judge of the district since 2006. The devoted husband, father of three, grandfather of five, and friend to all who knew him, will be greatly missed by his family and community. He was a warm, compassionate judge and inspirational leader in what is one of the busiest districts in the country. His death will leave a significant void in the District of Arizona and the entire federal judiciary, and we are all deeply saddened.
Jesse Kelly, Giffords' congressional opponent in November, via Twitter:
"We are all deeply saddened by this morning's shooting. Gabrielle Giffords, the other victims, and their families are in our prayers."
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Copyright 2011 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved. KOLD and WAVE contributed to this report.
Gabrielle Giffords (Source: Giffordsforcongress.com)
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