On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to mourn the victims of Saturday's tragic shooting that took the lives of six people, injured numerous others, and left our friend and colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, fighting for her life. In an instant, the Tucson community, and indeed the entire country, was shocked by the senseless violence and saddened by the loss. For four years, Gabby Giffords has been a well-respected member of this body, serving her constituents with determination and distinction. To those who know her, it comes as no surprise that she is fighting with such tenacity to recover from this severe injury. I wish her all the best on a full and speedy recovery and look forward to the day when we will welcome her back to this chamber. I know I join with my constituents in New Mexico in honoring those who lost their lives in this heinous attack, those who wanted nothing more than to be part of our democratic process and speak with their elected representative or dedicate themselves to public service. Their memory will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved in this tragedy as well as their families and friends during this difficult time.
