Obama on Arizona shootings: 'A tragedy for our entire country'

(UPDATE: A statement by Chief Justice John Roberts has been added below.)

President Obama's statement on the Tucson shootings, as provided by the White House

THE PRESIDENT:  As many of you are aware, earlier today a number of people were shot in Tucson, Ariz., including several who were meeting at a supermarket with their congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords. We are still assembling all the facts, but we know that Rep. Giffords was one of the victims. She is currently at a hospital in the area, and she is battling for her life.

We also know that at least five people lost their lives in this tragedy. Among them were a federal judge, John Roll, who has served America’s legal system for almost 40 years, and a young girl who was barely 9 years old.

I’ve spoken to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and offered the full resources of the....

...federal government. A suspect is currently in custody, but we don’t yet know what provoked this unspeakable act. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway, and at my direction, [FBI] Director Bob Mueller is en route to Arizona to help coordinate these efforts. I’ve also spoken to the Democratic and Republican leaders in the House.

Gabby Giffords was a friend of mine. She is not only an extraordinary public servant, but she is also somebody who is warm and caring. She is well liked by her colleagues and well liked by her constituents. Her husband, Mark Kelly, is a Navy captain and one of America’s valiant astronauts. 

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 all about. That is why this is more than a tragedy for those involved. It is a tragedy for Arizona and a tragedy for our entire country.

What Americans do at times of tragedy is to come together and support each other. So at this time, I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping all the victims and their families, including Gabby, in our thoughts and prayers. Those who have been injured, we are rooting for them. And I know Gabby is as tough as they come, and I am hopeful that she’s going to pull through.

Obviously our hearts go out to the family members of those who have been slain. We are going to get to the bottom of this, and we’re going to get through this. But in the meantime, I think all of us need to make sure that we’re offering our thoughts and prayers to those concerned. Thank you.    ####

Statement by Chief Justice John Roberts

The violence in Arizona today has senselessly taken five lives and inflicted tragic loss on dedicated public servants and their families.  We in the judiciary have suffered the terrible loss of one of our own. 

Chief Judge John Roll was a wise jurist who selflessly served Arizona and the nation with great distinction, as attorney and judge, for more than 35 years.  I express my deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his children, as well as the other victims and their families. 

Chief Judge Roll’s death is a somber reminder of the importance of the rule of law and the sacrifices of those who work to secure it.     ####

Photo: Giffords takes the oath of office Wednesday with House Speaker John Boehner. Credit: Susan Walsh / Associated Press

Comments

[paul]

So, how did this apparent madman get a gun?
Once again, Columbine, Virginia Tech, and many other mass murders - and the NRA wants to prevent background checks or any other rational control of guns.
The NRA, with Congress in its pocket, is one of the most destructive tax exempt societies in the country.

[Joseph Blowe]

From "Paul" we get more irrational fear of guns, and a profound misunderstanding of existing gun control laws and mission of the NRA. There are already well over 10,000 Federal and State gun control laws on the books, including the Brady Act which has required background checks on virtually all firearms purchased from licensed dealers since 1993. I'm sure we'll find these guns were purchased legally, which leaves the "fear" part of many like 'Paul': Fear the 'madman', not the gun. He could have just as easily gone to a hardware store and improvised an explosive that would have killed many more innocent people. The next time you want to blame the gun, ask yourself if the gun held by police officer, security guard or law abiding citizen is also "bad", if it had stopped this shooter in his tracks before he could harm anyone...

[guntoter4control]

In Arizona, any incoherent lunatic can buy a gun, no waiting period, no registration. Gun CONTROL does not mean NO GUNS. Get with the program, Arizona!
Agree with me?

[The bigger tragedy]

My prayers are for this classy congresswoman and all the other victims and
their loved ones.Nothing can justify barbaric behaviour of this type.
The current administration has just received the people's verdict on policys
regarding healthcare,immigration(the illegal one)and calamitous deficit
spending that is the greatest threat to economic recovery.Obama needs to
show that he gets it before we fall in total chaos.Many states are contesting
the validity of the healthcare nightmare and many states want to implement
illegal immigration legislation similar or even more strict than Arizona's.The
president has to acknowledge reality....NOW.

[Rintojen Suurennus]

Very sad event and I do believe that Arizona should do something about their gun laws, although of course that doesn't guarantee that something like this couldn't ever happen again.

[LJ]

Its not hard to get a gun in arizona. Anyone can get one, plus know with the new law you can take it in anywhere.