Obama condemns 'senseless' shooting of lawmaker
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Saturday condemned the shooting of Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and bystanders as an "unspeakable tragedy" and "senseless" act of violence.
A hospital in the southwestern state said Giffords was in surgery but alive after earlier reports that she had died. Obama said the congresswoman was "gravely wounded," and that some other victims of the shooting had died.
"This morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tuscon, Arizona, at a constituent meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords," Obama said in a written statement.
"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," Obama said.
"I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping Representative Giffords, the victims of this tragedy, and their families in our prayers."
Giffords and at least nine other people were attacked by a gunman at a grocery store where the Democratic lawmaker was hosting a "Congress on Your Corner" event with constituents.
A hospital in the southwestern state said Giffords was in surgery but alive after earlier reports that she had died. Obama said the congresswoman was "gravely wounded," and that some other victims of the shooting had died.
"This morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tuscon, Arizona, at a constituent meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords," Obama said in a written statement.
"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," Obama said.
"I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping Representative Giffords, the victims of this tragedy, and their families in our prayers."
Giffords and at least nine other people were attacked by a gunman at a grocery store where the Democratic lawmaker was hosting a "Congress on Your Corner" event with constituents.
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