Emerson Statement on Arizona, Giffords Shooting

Statement

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today issued the following statement regarding Saturday's shooting in Tucson, Arizona that killed six and injured 14, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

"My thoughts and prayers are with my colleague's family, her constituents, all of the victims of this unspeakable act and their families and loved ones. This tragedy really hits close to home, because I've held dozens of events just like this one. I know how seriously Rep. Giffords took the duty of representing her Arizona district, and I can't imagine anyone so cold-blooded and heartless to take advantage of her service as an opportunity to do harm to so many innocent people," Emerson said.

"This is a terrible tragedy, but it must not be allowed to change the relationship between our elected officials and the people we are elected to represent. We remain very fortunate to live in a free and open society, and these sad events must not be allowed to alter the freedoms we rely on for good and responsive government. It is very important that we continue to be able to debate and disagree in a civil manner, but no one should ever resort to violence."

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