Mark Kelly Statement: Gabby Giffords' Husband Addresses Arizona Shooting

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' husband Mark Kelly, a NASA astronaut, issued a statement on the shooting on Sunday evening. He suggests that people who want to help make a donation to the American Red Cross or a Tucson-based food bank, "two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported."

The full statement is below.

* * * *

On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most -- hearing from her constituents -- when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.

Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard and Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby's team. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly on Saturday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross.

Community Food Bank
3003 S Country Club Rd # 221
Tucson, AZ 85713-4084
[phone]

American Red Cross, Southern Arizona Chapter
2916 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85716
[phone]

Drew Westen

Professor, Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry at Emory University

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Saturday was not the first time Gabby Giffords -- or countless other lawmakers, candidates, and elected officials, including President Obama -- was confronted at a campaign rally or town hall meeting by gun-toting bullies, whose primary goal (at least until this weekend) was intimidation. That bringing a concealed weapon within that proximity to an elected official could be legal in the world's longest-lasting democracy is both surreal and shameful -- and now it threatens that democracy.

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notright guy said on 10 Monday 2011 pm31 12:24 pm: What a great statement n a very difficult time.

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Comments

[Rooster Coburn]

07:26 PM on 01/11/2011

A wonderful statement! I wonder why others have sought to exploit this tragedy for political ends?

[ibkozi]

01:50 AM on 01/12/2011

Like you just did???

[studana51]

05:04 AM on 01/11/2011

I wonder if he might consider taking his wife's office until she can (and most certainly will) return. I don't know the law but I think it could be possible.Let's help those food banks.

[lindaj3884]

04:15 AM on 01/11/2011

God bless you and Gabby. I hope and pray she recovers quickly. The country needs more representatives like her that take their job and responsibility to their constituents seriously. It is always the good and gentle ones that get hurt.

[Yestfl]

11:36 PM on 01/10/2011

Politicians only spread h8.

[Cyke101]

10:42 PM on 01/10/2011

I don't mean to make light of a tragedy, but an Astronaut married to a US Representative sounds like the ideal American movie family. I bet the couple had one heck of a complex, happy story well before the shooting.

[49 ForEverYoung]

10:07 PM on 01/10/2011

What a great American!! Mark, we are praying for you.

[edgarcaycedoc]

07:55 PM on 01/10/2011

And BTW, the shooter may be "one of YOUR own," but he is none of MY own.

[Dunkleberger Karl]

05:42 PM on 01/10/2011

Kudo's to John BoeHner and Nancey P for theirwunderful statements ! not is the time to real;ize we arte americans first , And 6 hours after this we liberals with be attacked again!

[AndrewJacksonSr]

06:10 PM on 01/10/2011

Maybe you can listen to yourself and stop the blame game?

[Texas4Obama]

06:17 PM on 01/10/2011

Jared Loughner is a registered Independent
http://tinyurl.com/2afy37p

[max]

05:31 PM on 01/10/2011

THAT IS CLASS UNDER UNIMAGINABLE STRESS...

[EmmaLib]

05:28 PM on 01/10/2011

I can not imagine the pain and disbelief they all must be experiencing at this time, such a senseless act. I can not wrap my mind about it, when I know full well, violence never, never fixes anything.

[momstudent]

05:11 PM on 01/10/2011

What a class act. Asking people to donate to a food shelter and the Red Cross.

[EndTheGOP]

05:01 PM on 01/10/2011

I wrote my condolences and support for Mr. Kelly and others, but it got filtered by HP mods. Here's a second try. Stay strong, may the families somehow receive infinite blessings through this tragic time.

[thepoliticalcat]

09:32 PM on 01/11/2011

You can send condolences to the victims at the Arizona Sun, I believe. I'll check.

[Cbrown90]

04:27 PM on 01/10/2011

We need to ban the corkscrew!!!

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/01/10/2011-01-10_tourists_model.html

[faith]

04:22 PM on 01/10/2011

We pray with you Mr. Kelly, and are encouraged with your wife, Representative Giffords wonderful improvements. May be be made whole quickly.
Your kind remembrance in posting the names of those who were lost that day demonstrates clearly your compassion; along with recalling all those who were there to help. Good stuff, sir. Peace to you and your house.