Community leaders call for peace and prayers in wake of shootings involving Congresswoman Giffords

Phoenix, AZ - Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona) and several others, including an Arizona federal District Court judge, were shot Saturday outside of a grocery story in Tucson. Community leaders from across the Valley are deeply saddened by today's senseless act of violence against U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, members of her staff and innocent bystanders, who were shot during a public event in Tucson. Preliminary information alleges that Congresswoman Giffords is out of surgery; that 12 people were shot and that a young person was killed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families of today's shooting. A press conference with a diverse group of community leaders will be held at 5:00 p.m. tonight at the Arizona State Capitol with a 6:00 prayer candlelight vigil to follow. The Capitol is located at 1700 W Washington in Phoenix. Governor Jan Brewer choked with emotion as she conveyed her thoughts, All of Arizona is shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy that transpired this morning in Tucson. I have been in contact throughout the morning with law enforcement officials, as well as Tucson mayor Bob Walkup, and just a short while ago I spoke personally with President Obama. The President conveyed his heartfelt sympathies for our State, and our shared determination to ensure that justice is fully served. I am just heartbroken. Gabby is more than just a colleague, she is my friend. She has always been a noble public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and her family, the Congresswomans staff and their families, and well as the other victims of this senseless and cruel violence. U.S. Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl made the following statement regarding todays tragic shooting attack upon federal Judge John Roll, U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords and several others in Tucson: Caryll and I send our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Judge John Roll and the others who were killed and injured today in Tucson. Judge Roll, who presided over the federal District Court in Arizona, was an exceptional judge and a good friend. We pray for the recovery of Representative Giffords and the others who remain in critical condition. Congresswoman Giffords is also a good friend, and I find it especially saddening that such a heinous crime would occur while she was fulfilling her congressional responsibilities. All of us will work to ensure that justice will be served fully and swiftly. Sen. Jon Kyl is the Senate Republican Whip and serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees. Visit his website at www.kyl.senate.gov or his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/senjonkyl. The Arizona Education Association is shocked by todays shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and other victims and expresses its deepest sympathies to them and their families. This senseless and horrific act is an attack on individuals, on civil society, and on our democracy, says AEA President Andrew F. Morrill. We, the members of the AEA, pledge to continue the highest level of public discourse and standards of citizenship. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families." With over 31,000 members AEA is the largest professional organization in Arizona. Founded in 1892 AEAs mission is Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education. Sheenae Shannon Arizona Education Association Communications Organizational Consultant Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon stated, The pictures and stories we're seeing and hearing from Tucson today leave me more sad than I can describe. Rep. Giffords has long been a friend. Gabby is not only an admirable public servant, she is truly one of the most gracious, most caring people I've met in my life. She's in my heart today along with her family, Judge John Roll and his family, and everyone whose life was touched by today's shooting. Like you, I'm waiting to learn the facts of what happened, to get my mind around such a horrific tragedy. No matter what we learn, I know that violence like this is unacceptable. It diminishes our communities, the state of Arizona and our nation. Such violence stands in dark, painful contrast to the America we all work so hard to build and to protect.