Congresswoman Giffords Shot, Federal Judge Killed, Gunman Goes on rampage in Arizona

'Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country.'

TUCSON, AZ (Catholic Online)  - The eyes, hearts and prayers of a worried Nation have turned to Tucson, Arizona where a horrific act of violence claimed several lives - including a nine year-old child and a Federal Judge - and critically injured several others, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff. Giffords was just re-elected to a third term. She was hosting her first "Congress on Your Corner" meeting at a Safeway Supermarket in northwest Tucson.

Reports indicate that a lone gunman, identified as 22 year-old Jared Laughner, came within four feet of the Congresswoman and shot her in the head. He then began to indiscriminately fire into the crowd with an automatic weapon until he was tackled to the ground by participants at the event. Details concerning the event are only now being pieced together due to the understandably nuanced initial reports. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, the protection surrounding the release of health records, the ongoing nature of the threat, and concern for safety have led to a slow release of any further information. One piece of good news is that Congresswoman Giffords, who in initial reports was said to have died from her injuries, emerged from lengthy surgery having survived. A doctor just offered a waiting Press Conference his "optimistic" prognosis for her recovery. Chief Federal U.S. District Court Judge John M. Roll was a victim of this shooting spree and died from his injuries. President Barack Obama called the shooting "an unspeakable tragedy" and added that such "a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society." Democratic and Republican colleagues of the Congresswoman offered their prayers and condemned this evil act of violence against a public servant and the other innocent participants and bystanders who were killed and injured. House Speaker John Boehner released this statement," I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff. An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve."

The Speaker continued, "Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country."

Nothing is known concerning any motive for the shooting and nothing has been released concerning the suspect.

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