Tsongas: Giffords' Shooting a Senseless Tragedy

Giffords, a Democrat who represents Arizona, was shot in the head by a gunman while she met constituents at a grocery store Saturday morning. Six people were killed in the attack.

Giffords is in an induced coma at this hour in an Arizona hospital where doctors said she responded to a simple command.

Tsongas served with Giffords on the Armed Services Committee. Tsongas, a Democrat, represents Massachusetts' Fifth District, which includes Westford and Concord. She appeared at a similar constituent meeting in Chelmsford on Saturday just hours after the shooting.

Tsongas released this statement about the shooting:

“It was with great sadness and shock that I learned of the senseless attack against Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and over a dozen others in Tucson this morning.  Gabby is a wonderful, caring, and dedicated colleague and friend whom I have the pleasure of serving with on the Armed Services Committee.  It was just yesterday that we sat next to each and talked during a Democratic Steering Committee meeting. My thoughts are with Gabby and her husband and all of those who are fighting for their lives at this hour and with the families who lost loved ones as a result of this horrible tragedy.”

One man is in custody for the shooting.