Politics & Government
Local Congressmen React to Attack on Arizona Congresswoman
An Arizona congresswoman was seriously injured in a shooting at a supermarket that left 6 dead including a judge and a nine-year-old girl
Congressmen in both the 5th and 9th districts who represent New Milford issued statements after a gunman killed six and injured 14 others including a congresswoman. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) issued a statement in response to the shootings in Arizona that left Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) fighting for her life. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)issued his own statement denouncing the attack.
Rothman served on the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, when it was chaired by Giffords in the 111th Congress, according to his office. Giffords' husband Mark Kelly is resident and traveled to Arizona Saturday to be with his wife, the Houston Chronicle reported.
In addition to the six killed in the shooting, 14 people were wounded when a gunman opened fire at a town hall event held by Giffords in Tucson, CNN.com reported. One suspect, identified by media reports as Jared Lee Loughner, was in custody and another man was being sought, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said in a news conference.
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Rothman's statement on Saturday's shooting:
"I am both shocked and saddened by today's senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, members of her staff and the other victims of this horrible crime. I know Congresswoman Giffords as a brilliant and charming public servant who is thoroughly dedicated to her district and in selflessly serving her constituents.
Find out what's happening in New Milfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Violence and threats have no place in our democracy and it is my hope that whoever is found responsible for this reprehensible act is quickly brought to justice. My thoughts and prayers are with Gabby, her family, her staff and all the victims who were killed or injured in this brutal attack."
Garrett's statement on Saturday's shooting:
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic shooting in Arizona today of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her staff. I strongly condemn this deplorable act of violence. It has no place in our public discourse and it has no place in our society. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Rep. Giffords, her family, her staff, and all the other victims and their families involved in today’s shooting.”
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