Statement on Shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

I am greatly saddened by the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and numerous others today in Tuscon, Arizona. Since entering Congress with her in 2007, I have known Gabby to be a selfless public servant, dedicated to her constituents and her country. This shooting is an attack on democracy itself. We can never allow violence, threats, and intimidation to prevail. Americans will never bow to the gun. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to her family, her staff, and the other victims of this horrible act of violence. I pray for the full recovery of Rep. Giffords and others who were wounded. As Americans, let us forever stand for settlement of differences - political and otherwise - with peaceful means.