Wounded AZ congresswoman’s brother was ISU kicker

An Arizona congresswoman was shot in the head today as she held a town hall meeting in Tucson.  Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has a link to Iowa.  Her brother, Alex Giffords, was Iowa State’s kicker from 1979-1982.

Initial reports indicate five people were killed.  A federal judge and a nine-year-old girl are among the dead.  The congresswoman is among perhaps as many as 10 other shooting victims.  Doctors say they’re optimistic about her chances for recovery.   Congresswoman Giffords was among the members of congress who read the U.S. Constitution aloud on the House floor this past week.  She read the First Amendment.

Congressman Braley Statement on Shooting in Arizona

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on the shooting in Tucson, Arizona:

 “While we still don’t have all the details, Carolyn and I are praying for Gabby. Our thoughts go out to her husband Mark, her family, her staff and all who know and love her. And I add my deepest condolences to the families of the other victims of this morning’s tragic, senseless shooting.

I also should note that Gabby’s brother, Alex Giffords, was a placekicker for the Iowa State football team. She gave me a print of Beardshear Hall at Iowa State that I have in my office, which she got from her brother.”

LATHAM STATEMENT FOLLOWING ATTACK ON CONGRESSWOMAN GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

WASHINGTON, DC – Iowa Congressman Tom Latham released the following statement today following an attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others in Arizona:

“Kathy and I are keeping Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, her family and the other victims of today’s senseless tragedy in our hearts and prayers.  I know Congresswoman Giffords to be a dedicated servant to her constituents and the cause of democracy in the United States.

“No rational person could ever think that a political disagreement in this great nation should be solved with bullets, and I’m horrified by today’s events.”

Harkin Statement on Arizona Shootings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement after learning that 18 people had been shot and six died at a public event in Arizona.  U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) remains in critical condition and U.S. District Court Judge John M. Roll is among those who were killed.

“When public servants and innocent civilians are struck down at a public event, a shudder goes through the hearts of all Americans.  This news is nothing short of a tragedy.  My thoughts are with Congresswoman Giffords and all of the families affected by this terrible turn of events.”

King Statement on the Shooting of United States Representative Gabrielle Giffords
 
Washington D.C.- Congressman Steve King (R-IA) released the following statement after United States Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot during a public event in Tuscon, Arizona today.
 
“My prayers continue to be for Gabrielle Giffords, her family, her staff, and all those that are in agony today,” said King. “We serve together and she is outgoing, personable and widely respected. It is inconceivable that anyone could harbor a vile, vindictive or malicious attitude towards her. I will continue to pray for her swift recovery and for the recovery of all those injured in this tragedy.”

Congressman Loebsack Issues the Following Statement on Shooting Involving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after news that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others were shot at an event in Tucson, Arizona:

“I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of Representative Giffords, her staff members and others involved in this tragedy. I have the distinct privilege of working with Congresswoman Giffords as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. She is a great colleague and a fine public servant. It is unspeakable that such a tragedy occurred while she was meeting with her constituents, whom she serves with distinction and honor. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family, and the families of those affected by this senseless act of violence.”