Janice Schakowsky: “I am very grateful to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to mourn the tragic loss of six lives and the many…”

“I am very grateful to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to mourn the tragic loss of six lives and the many who were injured who wanted nothing more than to participate in a simple but precious opportunity to meet directly with their Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords. There will be time to reflect on potential remedies that could prevent or diminish the threat that has so personally touched us all, but today I simply want to send my love to Gabby and to Mark and the rest of their family. We have all had the opportunity to focus on you, Gabby, the brilliant, effective, warm, courageous person and leader that you are. You brought us together to focus on just how meaningful your friendship is to us, to me. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my dedicated staff here in Washington and at home in the district and all the staff that work with us. Thank you for your daily efforts and sacrifices, the long hours and the commitment to your constituents, our constituents. The tragedy of this event and the loss of Gabe Zimmerman and the wounded staff has brought home just how important you are to all of us and to everything that we do here. Let us take this sad moment to seek peace and love, to honor those who were killed, and fervently pray for those who were injured, including our beloved colleague Gabrielle Giffords and look forward to the day when she will return to us in full health.”