Congresswoman Laura Richardson: "Deeply Saddened By the Attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords"

Statement

Congresswoman Laura Richardson (CA-37) released the following statement today after Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, members of her staff and others were shot at a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona this morning:

"This morning I was shocked and saddened to hear of the horrible attack against my friend and colleague Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her constituents, and those on her staff. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of Christina Green, Dorothy Morris, Judge John M. Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabriel Zimmerman, who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. I will keep Gabby and all those fighting for their lives in my thoughts and prayers.

Gabby is a bright, devoted, and selfless member of Congress who cherishes the opportunity to serve the people of Arizona. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her well over the last three years and have always been moved by the insight and compassion that she brings to our public discourse.

It is even more tragic that Gabby was attacked while she met with her constituents, listening to their views and concerns in order to represent them to the best of her ability. This kind of devotion to service exemplifies the very best of our representative government. It is critical to our future as a democracy that we preserve the ability of elected officials to engage their constituents in a free exchange of ideas marked by civility and restraint.

As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and, more importantly, as a concerned American, I will return to Washington, DC next week committed to addressing this horrible event and ensuring that we do everything in our power to prevent another tragedy of this kind.

I urge all Americans to join me in keeping Gabby, all those who were injured, and the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy in their thoughts and prayers.

Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California's 37th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security and is chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response. Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill.

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