On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
Today I rise in support of House Resolution 32, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8, 2011. Last Saturday's senseless and vile act of violence wounded Congresswoman Giffords at an event with her constituents. Six Americans were tragically killed and 14 others, including relatives of the slain, are recovering. First, above all else, I want to express how deeply saddened I am by this weekend's events. Congresswoman Giffords is a dedicated public servant, a cherished colleague, and a friend. I join with all Americans in wishing Gabby and the other wounded a speedy recovery. I also mourn the loss of those who passed. Gabriel Zimmerman was Congresswoman Giffords' community outreach director. Dorwin Stoddard, a retiree, was waiting in line with his wife to speak to the Congresswoman and protected his wife from the gunman's bullets. The youngest victim was 9-year-old Christina Green who had just been elected to her elementary school's student council. Dorothy Murray was a retired homemaker and her husband was among the injured. Phyllis Schneck, also a retiree and a New Jersey native, spent winters in Arizona. Chief Judge John Roll was a respected jurist who served on the federal bench since 1991 and became Chief Judge in 2006.
