Borderland’s Elected Reps React To Congresswoman Shooting

Local politicians expressed sadness and shock over Saturday morning’s shooting in front of a Tucson supermarket that left 6 people dead and at least 13 wounded, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Authorities say a gunman opened fire during a forum Giffords was hosting with constituents. A 9 year old girl died in the attack, as did U.S. District Judge John Roll.

Giffords was shot in the head, according to authorities. She was in critical condition as of Sunday morning.

El Paso’s U.S. Representative Silvestre Reyes (D) told ABC-7 he and Giffords saw each other just two days before the shooting. They worked together on the House Armed Services Committee and the Congressional Border Caucus. Giffords and a handful of other representatives met in Reyes’ office Thursday for a Border Caucus planning meeting.

Reyes told ABC-7, “I think all of us are not just sad, but outraged that something like this could happen to a member of Congress that was simply trying to reach out to constituents after a tough election.”

Following news of the shooting, several U.S. representatives from the borderland issued statements:

New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman (D): “This is a tragic assault on Congresswoman Giffords, her staff and her constituents. Like all Americans, I extend my sympathies to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy, and hope that Congresswoman Giffords and everyone who was injured in this terrible incident can recover.”

New Mexico Senator Tom Udall (D): “Gabby has been my friend and colleague for years. Not only is she remarkably intelligent, Gabby is a warm and compassionate individual. Today, she was answering her call to public service when these unspeakable acts of violence took place. Gabby, her staff and all of the victims of this horrific act are my family?s thoughts and prayers.”

Texas Senator John Cornyn (R): ?My prayers go out to Rep. Gifford, her family, staff and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. I hope those responsible for this senseless crime will be brought to justice as swiftly as possible.?

During a brief news conference Sunday morning, House Speaker John Boehner said that the shooting of an Arizona congresswoman won’t stop representatives in Washington from their duties.

Boehner says normal House business this week is postponed to focus on any necessary actions in the shooting aftermath.