Obama Gabrielle Giffords Statement: 'I'm Hopeful That She's Going To Pull Through' (VIDEO)

President Barack Obama addressed the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday in which Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and a number of others were hurt or killed following the incident.

"Gabby Giffords was a friend of mine," said Obama during a televised news conference. "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."

The president added, "I know Gabby is as tough as they come and I am hopeful that she is going to pull through... Our hearts go out to the family members of those who have been slain."

The White House issued the following statement on Saturday:

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.

WATCH:

Comments

[SoThereItIs]

11:51 AM on 01/10/2011

This is such a bland statement. Why does he have to continue reading every single phrase?
In any case...

Thanks for saying something. Glad you put it out there.

[FatFeline]

03:33 PM on 01/09/2011

Mr Obama, your words, "“If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun" may be inflaming people like this.

[SoThereItIs]

11:52 AM on 01/10/2011

Where they heck did you get this?

[p456]

02:16 PM on 01/09/2011

I agree with sheriff Dupnik and I applaud him for having the courage to say what I think should frame the conversation about hate and race we as nation should have. I was disappointed that president Obama did not make that point in his address yesterday. I hoped after sending out his prayers and message of hope. He would have said that we need to have a conversation about hate and racism in America.

All of the politicians seem to be making this personal when in fact they should be talking about taking responsibility for their actions, and talking about our racial divide and the hatred running throughout American society. President Obama likes to use the term " a teachable moment" well this is one of them, lets not blow it on the blame game.

[bobclapp1936]

01:31 PM on 01/09/2011

While I completely agree with OBAMA'S super comment, it is terribly incomplete and hypocritical. Certainly hypocritical to condemn violence at home while perpetuating violence abroad.

[bynddrvn5]

11:55 AM on 01/09/2011

The increasingly hostile and outright invitation for violence from the Tea Party and Republicans, led to this tragedy.

We must put a stop to the calls for violence from the conservatives; let them know your thoughts:

Sarah Palin:
http://www.SarahPAC.com/
http://twitter.com/SarahPalinUSA

Glenn Beck:
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/program/contact/

Michele Bachmann:
http://bachmann.house.gov/

John McCain:
http://mccain.senate.gov/public/

John Boehner:
http://johnboehner.house.gov/

[barry howard]

11:42 AM on 01/09/2011

i voted for obama but this was disgusting...a canned, read off a piece of paper response...predictable and lacking in emotion....contrast his response with that of the arizona sheriff or keith olberman...i have lost all respect for obama...he doesn't lead with courage or passion...he seems remote and disconnected...

[motherfather]

11:29 AM on 01/09/2011

Seems no matter wha the tragedy, for some it all comes down to the Pres being black. I mean are you guys really discussing ow he is dealing with his grief? On top of this tragedy, the world is still spinning and tragedies are unfolding as we type. This is terrible but the media is having a field day with it, including HP. We need to dtop sensationalizing these events. As for those of you saying that the president read his remarks in a cold off handed way, what other criticisms do you have for today? I hope once you vent them you feel better about yourselves and the world.

[stumanchu35]

11:07 AM on 01/09/2011

I rarely agree with the President, but this was a thoughtful response. I especially like the line how times like this brings us all together as Americans.

He obviously hasn't been reading blogs.

[noaxe397]

10:19 AM on 01/09/2011

The president struck the right tone with his remarks, but once the dust settles he MUST address the nation with something of substance.
 
I was glad he spoke from the WH, from the podium with the presidential seal on it.  I'm glad he wasn't out of town and had to speak at some hastily arranged microphone, in shirt sleeves,
 
His dignity added to the gravity of the tragedy.

[JASONH0099]

09:32 AM on 01/09/2011

no call outs to anybody by jefe... I was so disappointed...

[vgirl1]

09:47 AM on 01/09/2011

The pettiness and vitriol continue even as the President speaks to the tragedy caused by the hate and hateful language that spews so strongly from the right along with their version of remedy for disagreement.

[noaxe397]

10:16 AM on 01/09/2011

You forgot when he met last year with the entire GOP caucus to discuss health care reform, no teleprompter, and mopped the floor with them?
 
The GOP was so stunned that the next time there was to be a meeting between the GOP and congressional republicans they wanted to negotiate the size of the table in the room where they would be sitting.
 
 

[SweeneyToad]

03:30 AM on 01/09/2011

Cripes, now we have to criticize how he spoke about a tragedy that was still unfolding? Man some people will just find anything to complain about! I was not a Bush fan, but you bet when he spoke during tragedy, I wasn't sitting there waiting to criticize. I just wanted reassurance, and got it, as I did today.

[MyFatCat]

01:55 AM on 01/09/2011

Chuck Todd's stutter gives him away. Even he can't believe what he's saying--he can barely spit it out. Some people stare when they lie, some gibber. Todd is inherently unbelievable. That said, any interviewer whose first thought is twist a question to a person with a head injury so that a quote will fit the agenda isn't a journalist, a newsman, or even a flack. He's an apologist for viciousness and a talking illustration of what Hannah Arendt called "the banality of evil."

[jackiekt]

01:43 AM on 01/09/2011

The fomenters of violence have a grip on our nation, leaving those of us who wish to live in a civilized society with no recourse.

We must not surrender to the temptation to appease the hate mongers. As with all great civilizations, when power becomes, for power’s sake; when violence is glorified; when debauchery becomes entertainment for the masses; and, when superstition and ignorance are victorious….soon comes the fall.

$14 Trillion debt and rising, failing schools, perpetual warrior, violent, armed and dangerous...we are becoming a Third World Nation.

The governor of Pakistan's Punjab province was assassinated last week. A Federal Judge was murdered and a US Congresswoman shot, execution style, today in the United States. You tell me the difference.

I pray for the recovery of Rep. Giffords and the other survivors of this barbaric act. And, my condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones.

Jacquelyn K. Thompson

[white mende man]

01:36 AM on 01/09/2011

Be safe Mr. President the hate against you is far more than anyone in congress.