WASHINGTON — On the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, shooting in Tucson, Arizona, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) backed a bipartisan, bicameral resolution honoring the six people killed, the survivors whose lives were forever changed, and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, whose courage and leadership have inspired a national movement to end gun violence and reject political violence.
“Fifteen years ago, Arizona lost six lives in a senseless act of political violence targeting Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Gabby has turned this unimaginable trauma into a lifelong mission to end gun violence once and for all, and in doing so, she has inspired all of us in Arizona and across the country with her courage and resilience,” said Senator Gallego. “We must never forget those we lost that day and recommit to honoring the survivors by making it clear that gun violence and political violence have no place in our country.”
At 10:10 a.m. on January 8, 2011 – just days after being sworn in for her third term – Giffords was shot during a “Congress On Your Corner” event outside a Safeway grocery store in Tucson. Six people were killed, and thirteen were injured in an act of gun violence that shocked the nation and forever altered the lives of countless families.
The resolution recognizes the six people who were killed and thirteen others who were injured, including Congresswoman Giffords. Among those killed were Chief Judge John Roll of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona; Gabriel “Gabe” Zimmerman, a Giffords’ staff member and the first congressional staffer killed while serving; Dorothy “Dot” Morris; Phyllis Schneck; Dorwan Stoddard; and nine-year-old Christina-Taylor Green.
Amidst the escalating political violence and threats directed at public officials, the resolution underscores our obligation to denounce violence, uphold democratic principles, and promote respectful discourse. The resolution reaffirms the dignity of public service and democratic values that unify and uplift all Americans.
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