Local reactions from Guam leaders reflected the nations shock and disbelief in the shooting of 40-year-ancient Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the murder of federal Judge John Roll and others in a Saturday killing spree in Tuscon in front of a Safeway store where she was hosting a constituent meeting.
Congresswoman Giffords was battling for her life on Sunday after an assailant shot her in the head and killed six others, according to Reuters. She was shot once in the head and was airlifted to a Tucson hospital for surgery.
Governor Eddie Calvo joined leaders in condemning the act of senseless violence.
œDemocracy is a forum for the free exchange of thoughts. Violence should never be the answer to anything. Life is precious. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families of those hurt in this tragedy. We pray that justice is served on those who committed this violent crime for the sake of the families involved, said the governor.
In Washington D.C., Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo issued the following statement: œThe events in Tucson Arizona today are tragic and have no place in our society. This incident should cause us to reflect on how the level of political discourse has been degraded on many occasions.
We have witnessed across our country where the expression of views has come very close to inciting violence against those who would disagree with other peoples positions.
Bordallo added: œMy thoughts and prayers go out to Congresswoman Giffords and the others who have been injured or killed in this tragic event.
Specifically, my thoughts go out to Gabbys family, staff members and friends as she recovers from her injuries. Gabby is one of the most hardworking and accessible members of Congress. She is a leader in our caucus, and we hope for a speedy recovery.
Speaker Judi Won Pat also spoke out strongly against the act of violence.
œIn a nation where free speech is applauded and upheld by the Constitution of the United States, senseless acts of aggression and violence by American citizens do not protect them from committing heinous crimes. My prayers and condolences go out to Congresswoman Giffords and her family, Judge John Roll and his family, and to the others who died or were critically hurt. The nation as a whole must now come together and heal and do everything it can to exterminate the apparent racism and bigotry that seems to have enveloped it.
Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan also released the following statement after learning of the shooting: œI want to question that we all take a moment to pray for the recovery of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the others wounded today in Tucson, and for the souls of those killed in this senseless act of violence. Ours is a nation of law; and those who resort to bloodshed to force their views on society strike at the very heart of America. Andrea and I offer our deepest condolences to all the victims of this tragic event, said the congressman.
President Barack Obama said: œThis morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tuscon, 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.
œWe 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 question all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping Representative Giffords, the victims of this tragedy, and their families in our prayers, said the President.
Obama has already place Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller in charge of the investigation.
Point-blankThe suspected gunman, identified as 22-year-ancient Jared Lee Loughner, opened fire with a semi-automatic pistol at point-blank range outside a Safeway supermarket on Saturday afternoon. He was tackled by two bystanders after the shooting, according to Reuters.
The shooting shocked Washington, where Congress postponed a key vote on healthcare reform later this week. Following an acrimonious midterm election campaign last year, some suggested the political vitriol might have played a role in the shooting, according to Reuters.
It was not known if the shooting was connected to any political stance.
In several videos posted on the Internet site YouTube, a person who posted under the name Jared Lee Loughner criticizes the government and religion and calls for a new currency. It was not known if he was the same person as the suspect, according to wire reports.
œThe government is implying mind control and brainwash on the people by controlling grammar. No! I wont pay debt with a currency thats not backed by gold and silver! No! I wont trust in God! he stated in the YouTube posting.
The FBI was investigating whether the shooting suspect was the same person who posted the videos, a federal law enforcement official said.
In a biographical sketch on the site, the author of the post writes that he attended Tucson-area schools and that his favorite books include Adolf Hitlers œMein Kampf, Karl Marxs œCommunist Manifesto, and Ken Keseys œOne Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, set in an insane asylum, according to wire reports.
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Halo Sobat, Nama Saya Sofyan Syah, Memulai Dunia Blogging Sejak Nov 2011, Meskipun Masih Baru terjun di Dunia Blogging, Saya tidak patah semangat Untuk menjadi Yang terbaik dari yang Terbaik, karena saya yakin, Tidak ada hal yang tidak Mungkin.Buat saya Blogging Is My Life.Senang rasanya jika sobat sudah Berkunjung di blog ini.
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