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Palin, McCain, Boehner and Others Respond to Deadly Arizona Shooting

Palin, McCain, Boehner and Others Respond to Deadly Arizona Shooting

"I am horrified by the senseless attack..."

Numerous politicians and government officials have responded to the tragic shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, which left 18 injured and five others dead including federal judge John Roll and a 9-year-old girl. Below is a compilation of responses from politicians, government officials, and even Tea Party leaders.

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH):

“I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff,” House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said in a statement Saturday. “An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country.”

President Obama:

"This morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tucson, Arizona, at a constituent meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. And while we are continuing to receive information, we know that some have passed away, and that Representative Giffords is gravely wounded."

"We do not yet have all the answers. What we do know is that such a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society. I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping Representative Giffords, the victims of this tragedy, and their families in our prayers."

In a later press conference, he added: “It's not surprising that today Gabby was doing what she always does, listening to the hopes and concerns of her neighbors. That is the essence of what our democracy is about.”

(Watch video of president Obama's afternoon news conference on The Blaze.)

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA):

"It is with the deepest sadness that we have received word of the attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, members of her staff, and her constituents. This terrible act of violence is a national tragedy, and today is a very sad day for our country.

"My prayers, and the prayers of all Members of Congress, go out to her, her husband, Captain Mark Kelly, their family, and to all of the staff and others who were victims of this horrible attack.

"Congresswoman Giffords is a brilliant and courageous Member of Congress, bringing to Washington the views of a new generation of national leaders. It is especially tragic that she was attacked as she was meeting with her constituents whom she serves with such dedication and distinction."

(Watch Nancy Pelosi lead a moment of silence on The Blaze.)

Former Alaska governor and vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin:

"My sincere condolences are offered to the family of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today’s tragic shooting in Arizona.

"On behalf of Todd and my family, we all pray for the victims and their families, and for peace and justice."

Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips:

“While we need to take a moment to extend our sympathies to the families of those who died, we cannot allow the hard left to do what it tried to do in 1995 after the Oklahoma City bombing."

Arizona Senator John McCain (R):

"I am horrified by the violent attack on Representative Gabrielle Giffords and many other innocent people by a wicked person who has no sense of justice or compassion. I pray for Gabby and the other victims, and for the repose of the souls of the dead and comfort for their families. I beg our loving Creator to spare the lives of those who are still alive, heal them in body and spirit, and return them to their loved ones.

"Whoever did this; whatever their reason, they are a disgrace to Arizona, this country and the human race, and they deserve and will receive the contempt of all decent people and the strongest punishment of the law."

Arizona Senator Jon Kyl (R):

"Caryll and I send our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Judge John Roll and the others who were killed and injured today in Tucson.  Judge Roll, who presided over the federal District Court in Arizona, was an exceptional judge and a good friend.

"We pray for the recovery of Representative Giffords and the others who remain in critical condition.  Congresswoman Giffords is also a good friend, and I find it especially saddening that such a heinous crime would occur while she was fulfilling her congressional responsibilities.

"All of us will work to ensure that justice will be served fully and swiftly."

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R):

“All of Arizona is shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy that transpired this morning in Tucson.

"I have been in contact throughout the morning with law enforcement officials, as well as Tucson mayor Bob Walkup, and just a short while ago I spoke personally with President Obama.  The President conveyed his heartfelt sympathies for our State, and our shared determination to ensure that justice is fully served.

"I am just heartbroken.  Gabby is more than just a colleague, she is my friend.  She has always been a noble public servant.  My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and her family, the Congresswoman’s staff and their families, and well as the other victims of this senseless and cruel violence.”

(Watch Jan Brewer's statement on The Blaze.)

Vice President Joe Biden:

"The horrific attack in Tucson, Arizona, this morning has taken the lives of at least five people, including a federal judge and a young girl, and left many others wounded, among them a dear friend, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

"Gabby is one of the finest members of Congress I know. She is a principled leader and a consensus-builder. She has spent her time in office working her heart out to improve the lives of the people she represents. And she loves her husband and family above all else. On this tragic day, Jill and I are praying for Gabby’s recovery, and we hold her family in our hearts.

"Chief Judge John Roll was a dedicated jurist whose death is a terrible loss to Arizona and to the country.

"We do not yet know the motivation behind these shootings. But what we do know is that there is simply no justification, no rationale for such senseless and appalling violence in our society.

"Please join Jill and me in praying for each of today’s victims and for their families and loved ones."

Attorney General Eric Holder:

“Today’s tragedy in Arizona was a senseless act of violence that has already resulted in devastating loss, including the death of Chief United States District Court Judge John Roll and four other individuals and the wounding of Representative Gabrielle Giffords and a number of others. All of those who were killed or injured and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.

“As the President said, FBI Director Mueller is traveling to Arizona to help coordinate the investigation. The FBI is working jointly with local law enforcement to investigate today’s events, and I have directed Department prosecutors and law enforcement officials to use every resource necessary to investigate this tragedy. I want to assure the people of Arizona and every American that we will hold accountable anyone responsible for these heinous acts.”

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