On the recordJanuary 12, 2011
I don't think there are enough words to express my feelings at this time, and I am sure the words that I have will never be adequate to truly share my grief with my colleagues and with our country. As with all of the Members of Congress, my thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones in the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. My heart is hurting for those who were injured--some catastrophically, some still fighting for their lives. I love Gabby Giffords. I don't think there is a better example of a true public servant than this remarkable woman the country has gotten to know over the last few days. She is kind and caring and dedicated, and the very fact that she was doing her Congress on Your Corner just 4 days from the time she was sworn in for another term gives you some idea of how dedicated she was to her job. While I watched in horror, like most of the country, and was riveted to my television set this weekend, I also couldn't help but marvel at those who rose above personal fear, who had the presence of mind and who, in spite of their own personal safety, tackled the perpetrator of this heinous crime; at the young intern who possibly saved Gabby's life by his medical attention to her; and at those who attended the wounded and comforted the bystanders. These are the true heroes in our country--the medical personnel, the hospital administrators and staff.
