Buchanan Leads Moment of Silence for Gabrielle Giffords

Sierra Madre Mayor Pro-Tem John Buchanan led a special moment of silence at the regular meeting of the city council on Tuesday, Jan. 11 in recognition of the tragedy that occurred over the weekend in which a gunman stormed a public meeting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, killing six and leaving Giffords fighting for her life with a gunshot wound to the head.

“Of course, the last few days we’ve heard a lot of commentary and commentary on commentary about the events in Arizona,” Buchanan said. “Some folks I guess believe that they know enough to provide a narrative and context for the events of that day. I feel reasonably comfortable, however, saying we don’t.” Buchanan said the events go beyond the understanding of most people and that the broader social issues will take a long time to sort out.

Buchanan also took time to praise the those who helped stop the massacre, saying “some people even charged in the direction of the fire, because it was their instinct to help.”

“If anything, this is a time for personal introspection... but not for a broad commentary,” Buchanan said before leading a moment of silence in remembrance of those slain and injured in the Tuscon shooting.

Congressman David Dreier also in a statement released Sunday in which he called the shooting “senseless” and said that his “thoughts and prayers are with her, her staff and the other victims and their families as they deal with this tremendous tragedy.” Dreier represents the 29th U.S. Congressional District which includes the City of Sierra Madre.