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REP. KIRKPATRICK STATEMENT REMEMBERING THE JANUARY 8th TUCSON SHOOTING

Statement

Date: Jan. 7, 2022
Location: Tucson, AZ
Issues: National Security Arts, Entertainment, and History

Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick released the following statement in advance of January 8th and shares an update on the ongoing progress of her bill, the January 8th National Memorial Act.

On January 8th, 2011, a gunman opened fire on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' "Congress on Your Corner" event, which was being held at a grocery store in Tucson. The shooting killed six members of our community and wounded thirteen more. Congresswoman Giffords was among those wounded, as was her District Director at the time, Ron Barber, who subsequently stepped up to represent AZ-02 in Congress and eventually became Rep. Kirkpatrick's District Director in 2020.

"The devastating attack that took place eleven years ago didn't just impact our Tucson community, it shook the whole country," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "Gabby Giffords was a mentor of mine since our time in the state legislature and she's become a true friend and inspiration throughout my time in Congress. She is one of the greatest leaders our state has seen; the work from her and her office exemplified the meaning of public service and sacrifice. While the events of January 8th are haunting, they serve as a reminder that Congress and the federal government have not done nearly enough to curtail the gun violence crisis in this country. To honor the lives lost that day, the lives of constituents, and a congressional staffer that truly impacted their community, we must do more.

"Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy "Dot" Morris, John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabriel "Gabe" Zimmerman, live on in our memories and will never be forgotten."

"The memorial, now completed, honors the victims, but also celebrates the strength of my community," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "I am proud to work with my Arizona colleagues on introducing this legislation again in the 117th Congress and pushing through committee this year. We must always work to show that the strong will of good people can defeat hateful violence."


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