On the Tragic Shootings in Arizona

On Sunday January 9, 2011, Mike attended services honoring the first anniversary of the Haitian earthquake at Evangelical Crusade of Fishers of Men Church in Brooklyn, where he spoke about the tragic events in Arizona on January 8. The following are Mayor Mike Bloomberg's remarks as delivered.

I walked into this church this morning with a heavy heart, thinking about the tragic shooting in Arizona yesterday. And while the singing was going on, I said a little prayer for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and everyone who was murdered or injured yesterday.

I think that millions of people in New York, and in every part of our country and from every corner of the world, are doing the same today. These shootings are just terrible examples, and a terrible reminder, of the gun violence that happens every single day in our country.

We don't know all the facts of this case yet, but we do know that every single day, 34 Americans are murdered -- every single day. Yesterday it was Judge John Roll and five other Americans -- and many more, across the fifty states. Tomorrow there will be another 34. And so it will continue until we get serious about cracking down on illegal guns and protecting innocent people.

I've built a coalition of more than 500 mayors from across the country -- from both political parties - who are dedicated to fighting gun violence. It is an uphill struggle, but if all of us join it -- if all of us speak out -- I believe we really can make a difference and save lives.