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Witness: Arizona gunman 'was ready for war'
More coverage on the shootings from affiliates KOLD, KVOA, KMSB, KPHO and KGUN.
[Updated at 10:30 p.m. ET] A man who helped subdue the gunman in Saturday's Arizona shooting spree said the man was trying to reload when he was tackled to the ground.
"He was ready for war. He was not playing around," Joe Zamudio told CNN. "He was going to keep shooting. It was not over. He had just ran out of bullets."
The gun, which another bystander had wrestled from the gunman, was empty and cocked open, and the shooter had another magazine at the ready, Zamudio said.
Zamudio pinned him to the ground until police showed up. The suspect, 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner, is in custody of the Pima County Sheriff's Office, and authorities are obtaining search warrants for a residence and his vehicle. Authorities also are seeking a person of interest but his suspected connection to the incident is unclear.
Loughner is accused of shooting 18 people, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a third-term Democrat who had organized the "Congress on Your Corner" meet and greet. Authorities believe the gunman had specifically targeted Giffords. She is in critical condition after undergoing surgery for a single gunshot wound to the head, but doctors said they are optimistic over her prospects for recovery.
Eleven others were wounded in the shooting and six are dead, among them U.S. District Court Judge John Rolls, a friend of Giffords' who had stopped by the event to say hello after attending Mass, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said.
Also killed was Giffords staffer Gabe Zimmerman, director of community outreach who had coordinated the event to introduce Giffords to her constituents.
A 9-year-old girl also was killed.
The shooting sent shock waves through Washington, where Giffords was regarded as gracious and kind, a moderate Democrat known for her dedication to her constituents and willingness to work across party lines.
In light of the shootings, all legislation on the House schedule for the coming week has been postponed, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced in a statement.
Americans also struggled to come to terms with the event. Many of them showed up to a vigil at the Arizona State Capitol to pray together and share their thoughts.
In the Twitterverse, theories abounded as to the gunman's motivation. Meanwhile, while speaking to the press , the sheriff lamented "the vitriolic rhetoric" in American political discourse, suggesting it played a role in the shooting.
"This has not become the nice United States of America that most of us grew up in and I think its time we do the soul-searching," he said.
"The anger, the hatred the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous and unfortunately, Arizona has become the capital. We have become the mecca of prejudice and bigotry."
[Updated at 10:00 p.m. ET] A House vote scheduled for Monday on whether to repeal health care legislation has been postponed after Saturday's shooting.
All legislation on the House schedule for the coming week has been postponed in a decision by leaders of both political parties in the House so "we can take whatever actions may be necessary in light of today's tragedy," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said in a statement.
[Updated at 9:13 p.m. ET] Some who knew Giffords and others who just wanted an outlet for emotions in the wake of the shooting rampage gathered on Capitol Hill Saturday night to honor the victims.
More than 50 marchers braved subfreezing temperatures and gusty winds to march to the Capitol and up the west steps to hold the vigil.
[Updated at 8:55 p.m. ET] A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation says the Glock model 19 used in the shootings was purchased legally. The official did not have details at this time as to when and where the gun was purchased.
The gun was loaded with a 30-round magazine. The official said it is likely the extended magazine used in the shooting was purchased separately and at a different time. The official said such a magazine does not automatically come with a weapons purchase and that it would be extremely rare for them to be sold together in one purchase.
The official said the suspect had purchased another gun a few years ago but this person did not know the details about what happened to that weapon and if the alleged shooter still owned it.
[Updated at 8:23 p.m. ET] Officials are not convinced that the suspected gunman acted alone, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik told reporters.
Law enforcement is actively searching for a "person of interest" who is a white male in his 50s believed to have assisted the suspect in a shooting, Dupnik said.
A suspect who Dupnik would not name is in the custody of the Pima County Sheriff's Office, he said. The suspect has had previous contact with law enforcement "regarding threats" to kill, Dupnik said, and described him as having a "troubled past."
CNN has confirmed that the suspect's name is Jared Lee Loughner, 22, whose apparent online footprint professes an distrust of government and a fondness for books such as "Mein Kampf," "The Communist Manifesto," "Peter Pan" and "The Republic."
"There's reason to believe this individual has a mental issue and I think that people who are unbalanced are especially susceptible to vitriol," he said.
"Vitriol" in public debate was a recurring theme in Dupnik's remarks as he blasted the media for "the vitriolic rhetoric" heard on television and radio.
[Updated at 7:57 p.m. ET] Gabe Zimmerman, director of community outreach for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, was among those killed in Saturday's shooting at a constituents meeting outside a Tucson Safeway, Gifford press secretary CJ Karamargin said.
Zimmerman was the staff member who set up today’s event in Giffords’ district, Karamargin said. The Tucson native was engaged to be married.
[Updated at 7:43 p.m. ET] The Army said in a statement that the suspect in the shooting was never in the Army.
"He attempted to enlist in the Army but was rejected for service. In accordance with the Privacy Act, we will not discuss why he was rejected," the Army said in a statement.
[Updated at 7:21 p.m. ET] Jared Lee Loughner, the suspect, had a limited presence on social-media sites, including YouTube and MySpace. Here's a sampling of some of the messages that CNN found on Loughner's pages:
MySpace
December 26, 2010: I'm not going to change the mistakes, you don't know – funny! (I think the CIA watches my-space)
December 30, 2010: I now understand a certain word - Cult!
YouTube
December 15, 2010: If I define terrorist then a terrorist is a person who employs terror or terrorism, especially as a political weapon.
I define terrorist.
Thus a terrorist is a person who employs terror or terrorism, especially
as a political weapon.
If you call me a terrorist then the argument to call me a terrorist is Ad hominem.
You call me a terrorist.
Thus the argument to call me a terrorist is Ad hominem.
December 15, 2010: The majority of citizens in the United States of America have never read the United States of America's Constitution.
You don't have to accept the federalist laws.
Nonetheless, read the United States of America's Constitution to apprehend all of the current treasonous laws.
You're literate, listener?
Read more about Loughner's digital footprint on CNN.com
[Updated at 7:12 p.m. ET] The University of Arizona's men's basketball game against Stanford University has been postponed following the shootings.
"The University feels the game should be delayed with deep respect to the victims and families impacted by this tragedy," Arizona athletics director Greg Byrne said.
The game will be played at 12:30 p.m. MST Sunday.
[Updated at 6:48 p.m. ET] Saturday's deadly shootings at an Arizona constituency meeting outside a Tucson Safeway appear to have “no nexus to terrorism," a law enforcement official said.
This official did not know if there had been any recent threat against Rep Giffords but said there are frequent threats to various members of Congress, mostly via phone calls or e-mails, or mailed threats.
[Updated at 6:30 p.m. ET] U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts released this statement on the death of U.S. District Court Chief Judge John Roll, who was killed in the shootings:
"Chief Judge John Roll was a wise jurist who selflessly served Arizona and the nation with great distinction, as attorney and judge, for more than 35 years. I express my deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his children, as well as the other victims and their families. Chief Judge Roll’s death is a somber reminder of the importance of the rule of law and the sacrifices of those who work to secure it."
[Updated at 6:16 p.m. ET] The Tea Party released this statement regarding the shootings:
“We at the Tea Party Express are shocked and saddened to hear about the terrible tragedy that took place in Tucson today. It is appalling that anyone would commit such unthinkable violence against Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford, her staff, a sitting federal judge and the many other victims and families impacted.
"These heinous crimes have no place in America, and they are especially grievous when committed against our elected officials. Spirited debate is desirable in our country, but it only should be the clash of ideas. An attack on anyone for political purposes, if that was a factor in this shooting, is an attack on the democratic process. We join with everyone in vociferously condemning it."
Read the full story on CNN.com
[Updated at 5:41 p.m. ET] Who is Gabrielle Giffords? She's a Democrat who was first elected in 2006. She has served as chairwoman of the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee and also holds seats on the House Science and Technology and Armed Services committees.
She won her third term in a closely contested race against a Tea Party-sponsored candidate and was one of three Democratic legislators who reported vandalism at their offices following the March vote on health care reform.
She is married to Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, a NASA astronaut who is scheduled to lead a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station. The two married in 2007, after meeting four years prior in China, as young leaders selected by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, Giffords told the New York Times in her wedding announcement.
The article described their courtship as a drawn-out affair between two deeply committed civic servants who slowly found their way to each other. When they met, Giffords was seeing someone and Kelly was married.
After Giffords split from her boyfriend, she invited Kelly to join her on a tour of the Arizona State Prison in Florence.
"I’d been working on legislation dealing with capital punishment. Mark is the son of police officers — well, he just really wanted to sit in ‘the chair,' " she told the newspaper.
The two married three years later, they married at an organic produce farm in Amado, Arizona, called Agua Linda. An avid recycler, Giffords wore a Vera Wang gown borrowed from a friend.
"To a bride who moves at a velocity that exceeds that of anyone else in Washington, and a groom who moves at a velocity that exceeds 17,000 miles per hour," a wedding guest said in a toast to the couple.
[Updated at 5:20 p.m. ET] Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer expressed condolences for the shooting victims - 6 are dead and 12 injured.
"I am just heartbroken. Gabby (Giffords) is more than just a colleague she is a friend. She has always been a noble public servant," an emotional Brewer said, pausing for composure.
"I ask the people of Arizona and the people of America to keep the victims and their families in their prayers, and pray for their recovery and pray that in Arizona we never have to experience a tragedy like this ever again."
Giffords publicized the "Congress on Your Corner" meet-up at the Safeway in her southern Arizona district on her Twitter account.
Judge John Roll, the chief judge on the U.S. District Court for Arizona, was among 6 people killed, along with a 9-year-old girl, officials said.
Witnesses said the gunman shot Giffords at point blank range through the head and then continued firing. The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as Jared Lee Loughner, has been taken into custody.
[Updated at 4:52 p.m. ET] Chief Judge John Roll was among 6 people killed at an Arizona constituent meeting outside a Tucson grocery store Saturday.
[Updated at 4:30 p.m. ET] The suspect in a shooting at an Arizona constituent meeting outside a Tucson grocery story is a white male born in 1988, CNN's Jeanne Meserve has confirmed from a federal law enforcement source.
Six people have died, including a 9-year-old girl, and 12 were injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, authorities said.
[Updated at 4:07 p.m. ET] Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is in critical condition and a young child has died after a shooting at a political meeting at an Arizona grocery store, a hospital spokesman said Saturday.
Giffords, who was hosting the event, is under anesthesia after undergoing surgery for a single gunshot wound to the head "through and through," said Dr. Peter Rhee, Trauma Director at the University Medical Center in Tucson.
"The Congresswoman is not deceased. She is in critical condition," Rhee said in a press conference. "I am very optimistic about recovery."
Giffords publicized the "Congress on Your Corner" meet-up at the Safeway in her southern Arizona district on her Twitter account.
[Updated at 3:40 p.m. ET] Six people have died and 12 - including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords - were injured in a shooting at a political meeting at a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store Saturday, according to Rick Kastigar of the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
[Updated at 3:20 p.m. ET] A suspect is in custody in the shootings of at least 12 people, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, at a constituent meeting at an Arizona grocery store, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement.
"The suspect is in custody. No further details on the motive or other victims are available at this time," the statement said. "The U.S. Capitol Police are directly involved in this investigation. As more information is developed, it will be provided. In the interim, all Members and staff are advised to take reasonable and prudent precautions regarding their personal security."
A statement from President Obama confirmed that some people had died.
"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," he said.
"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."
[Updated at 3:00 p.m. ET] Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is currently undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound to the head, a spokeswoman for the University Medical Center in Tucson said.
Nine patients were brought to the hospital, including a child. All of them are in either serious or critical condition and are undergoing surgery, spokeswoman Darci Slaten said.
A federal judge was also among those shot, a law enforcement official said. It is not clear whether he was among those taken to the hospital.
[Updated at 2:43 p.m. ET] There were conflicting reports Saturday about the condition of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords following a shooting Saturday at a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store. Giffords' press secretary said the congresswoman remains in surgery for her injuries, disputing an earlier report from a law enforcement source saying she had died.
[Updated at 2:23 p.m. ET] U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords died Saturday after a gunman opened fire at a Tucson, Arizona grocery store, a law enforcement source said. Giffords, who had been holding a meeting with constituents, was among at least 12 people shot.
[Updated at 1:51 p.m. ET] U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was among at least 12 people shot at a Tucson, Arizona, grocery store, a Democratic source told CNN's Dana Bash. The source called her injuries "pretty serious."
[Updated at 1:41 p.m. ET] U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was meeting with constituents at a Safeway grocery store in Tucson, Arizona, where at least 12 people were injured in a shooting shortly after 10 a.m. MST Saturday, a spokesman for the Pima County sheriff's Department said. It is unclear whether Giffords was among those hurt.
"Several" people were shot Saturday at a grocery store in Tucson,
Arizona, a spokesman for the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. No other details were immediately available.
Sarah Palin called for this: http://www.alan.com/2010/03/24/palin-puts-gun-sighs-on-target-map-says-ti/
Her hateful rhetoric and cutesy references to guns, shooting and violence are fully to blame for this incident.
This is what happens when you value getting whatever votes you can over responsible campaigning. Rhetoric is partly responsible for this.
Conservative or Liberal..some need to know if they have a brain instead of sitting on it..killers are killers and human life was lost today..political views are freedom of choice.People post rubbish of who's political party is responsible should think before posting..
Jesus says you live by sword you die by the sword. Please vote for gun control reform. We dont need wakos carrying guns, we dont need them selling them illegally to other wakos and we dont need the sale of guns internationally for profit thus creating tyranny in other countries.
4 already dead; cold blooded murder. Really hope law enforcement catches these fkrs!
Hey Jan Brewer, Sharron Angle, Sarah Palin... YOU DID IT... YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS FOOLISH ACT... YOU can be proud... your followers ARE taking the "second amendment remedies" literally and keep "RELOADING"... where is the FBI now???
Hey, don't forget Bachman in this. One of her quotes: “Michelle Bachman; "We're going to change America by either the ballot box or the bullet box".
Have listened to FOX and they are so sad and upset. Why? They are the ones who incite these nutcases. This country is scary and its right wing politicians are totally out of control. I don't know who the shooter is, and I don't know what he yelled before shooting, but this country needs to stop showing a President hopeful shooting both with a weapon and her mouth. The 112th Congress is a scary thing, and now the speaker has issued an email that shooting a public official is wrong. Did they speak against the right wingers when they called assert second amendment rights to take control through force. Maybe now people will realize that words do have consequences. Whether or not the Congresswoman lives or dies, although very tragic, others at this scene died and are injured including a child. How is that right? We talk about the terrorists in other nations, let's get our own politicians in order. Some of them, in my eyes are no better. In my opinion, Palin, Angle, Bachman, and their groupies should be held responsible. Our founding fathers never meant for this kind of chaos to happen when they included the right to bear arms.
If Palin and Bachmann can share a cell w/ Pelosi, Frank, Obama, Feinstein, Boxer, and any number of Kennedys, then I'll help you round them up. This disgusting event is being made even more sickening by ideologicals like you who decide immediately that FNC, or some other politician, is to blame. YOU DON'T KNOW who did this, or why. Radicals were put in control of this last Congress, with the help of corrupt liberal media, with disastrous results for this country. I'll make another offer – I'll deliver up Beck and Rush if you will turn in Olbermann, Couric, Behar, and Maddow. This assassination is a strike not only against a number of innocents, it is an attack against out ability to disagree openly – a right that both extremes of the political spectrum want to destroy. Don't be a part of that .
Jane, your comments are taken to heart. Where do we go as a people who encourages and rewards a media for spewing such hate, after all FOX brags of being the most watched of any of the cable networks. MSNBC has left wingers but most, if not all constantly advocate for us, Americans, and not just the " REAL" Americans of the conservatives. There needs to be consequences, but alas, we are Americans with very short memories, and attention spans.
Arizona is one of the easiest states to get a gun in our country. Its foolish to believe everyone will shot responsibly. The tea party sympathizers have already been caught ransaking her office after she beat their candidate. She was a good congressman more interested in NASA than partisan issues. Maybe some Arizona Dem with a guy will try to get even.
Does this mean hubby isn't going to the space station? Good – save our $$ and lower our taxes.
Idiot
what a sick, disgusting comment, crawl back into the trash heap where you belong
Not just idiot, truly an idiot.
Welcome to our very own Iraq ,folks , no need to go sticking our noses up any other countries beeswax.
Rep. Raul Grijalva and many of you are just obnoxious. We know NOTHING about the motives of some irrational person, but everyone is going to blame Sarah Palin, or Tea Party members, or whoever you want to hate. They did NOTHING. Get over your irrational bias.
Meanwhile, where I live, there have been a dozen shootings since the start of the year. They were all committed by hispanics. Should I now blame all latinos for all shootings? Or just the President of Mexico?
Forget about left wing or right wing. In 9/11 it wasn't 3000 jews, muslims, christians, mexicans, or chinese that died but 3000 Americans did die. So easy we have forgotten. I am not a democrat or republican. I am an American. My colors are red white and blue. And we need to stop whom ever is killing our American People. It is time that we all come together as one nation and one people. I love my country but I hate what we are becoming and that is a divided nation.
You are clearly one of the Tea Party White Nutbars in this country... this is clearly politically motivated. Get your head out of your you know what and wake up. That goes for the rest of the 50% of this nutbar country.. stupid white uneducated racist republicans... america the ignorant. right to bear arms? how about for anyone with an education above grade 10.
America is a divided nation. get rid of fox news...
Go suck on the end of your semi-automatic Skippy Stone
Sarah Palin put a bullseye on her face in the last election.
Yeah, we shouldn't go talking about blame though.
Easy one. Anyone who published a poster with the names of any of the victims of violence by hispanics, with gunsight targets over the victims face, should probably be considered for inciting specific violence. Anyone who tells the armed hispanic community "don't retreat, reload" when facing opposition should probably be considered for inciting general violence. Anyone who rants that hispanics need guns to protect themselves from any acts of government they disagree with should probably be considered for inciting general violence. Next question?
This wasn't an attack by a foreign enemy as in 9/11 or an attack on the U.S.S Cole. This was an American attacking other Americans. I resist putting this kind of behavior on the right because the people i know who are conservatives would never assassinate a member of congres...or I hope they never would. But I do believe that even the centrist on the right support a paradigm that incites violence.
It's convenient to pass blame, and to excuse this as just another "nut job" but it's not that at all. People have motives. Dr Till's killer, the guy flying his airplane into the IRS building, the DEM chairman in Arkansas being shot in his office, the Kennedy boys, Martin Luther King, were all the prodigy of conservative, right-wing, violent optimism.
First, blaming guns for violence is like blaming pens for misspelled words. 2nd, no one knows th emotives yet. It may be political and maybe not in the way most people believe. She was a hardliner on immigration and border policy. Assasination is a favorite tool of Mexican drug cartels in Mexico. They already operate on both sides of the border. Is it too far fetched to imagine that they would target her? Killing a conservative would just get more calls for border crackdowns. Killing a liberal who is anti-immigration gets the US political parties to fight each other. Libs call for gun control while conservatives call for border crackdowns.
Meanwhile, where I live, there have been a dozen shootings since the start of the year. They were all committed by hispanics. Should I now blame all latinos for all shootings? Or just the President of Mexico?
-------
Sorry Skippy...I don't believe you AT ALL. Where do you live? What city were these atrocious crimes all committed by Hispanics. Pile of croc...you're a liar.
@cony007....
Did you know in 2006 17k America's died at the hands of drunk drivers? In 2007 the number of American's killed was 13k. And in 2008, almost 12k American's died. On 9/11 3k died. More American's have died at the hands of Drunk Drivers since 9/11. I get that you think 3k deaths on 9/11 is significant, but only in the sense that 1 death is significant. 9/11 didn't and doesn't represent a threat to this country except in the erosion of freedom being done in its name. Lets concentrate on the things that are the biggest threat to our lives.
I am a Democrate, but very Independent in voting, I am a RN and I was not pleased with the Health Care Bill, but words are the way to change things , not weapons. I do believe in certain bills, Democrats go to far, and Republicans have gone way to far with the Immagration conversation. We are all Americans, and that is the way we should behave. What an example we are setting for other countries.
GR
AP. You mention the 50% that are nut bags! What about the 59% side your on? You guys are ntbags as well. The problem with America today is that those that have actually busted their asses to get where they are are now penalized and pay through the nose for those that want the govt to pay for everything? Maybe it's the handouts for everyone policy that has people enraged? Things will only get better when both sides of the isle start doing what is best for America and not their party, and I hate to tell you it's not freebies for everyone?
I am sorry for the news about Arizona . No offence to any one i am a international student in USA came here 4 months ago first news at that time was near to my place where a police officer killed some body on the street and now a shot out at a congressman session . personaly i thought these kind of things only happen in my country (pakistan) which is sad as well . My prayers with the wounded .
welcome to america, pal
Big difference buddy... Americans are educated people.. they are supposed to be leaders of the free world. embarrassing idiots...
I am sorry you had to witness this sad happening. While the U.S. is not free of violence, I can assure you this is a rare occurrence. I sincerely hope your remaining time in our country is peaceful and productive, and that you remember us as decent people.
Thank you for your prayers. Believe me, our country is better than what you've seen so far but I must agree this is getting crazy. In my county in Maryland we've had 7 murders in as many days, in Wash DC teens are attacking and beating up people on subway platforms for fun, then having friends film the attack and put it on the internet. It goes to a lack of parental teachings on discipline and morals, the economy, drug traffiking and other conditions but there are times I would just like to take a belt to some people and beat their butts. There is no moral framework anymore, it just makes me want to cry!!!
People kill people – that is the way it is all over the world. The difference in this country is – say if a Muslim is murdered by a Christian for "blaspheming Jesus Christ" the Christian would be prosecuted- maybe even executed. If a Christian is murdered by a Muslim because he blasphemed Mohammed – the Muslim would also be prosecuted- maybe executed. In Pakistan- the Muslim would not even be prosecuted, the Christian would. We have equal protection. Your country doesn't.
This is just one person out of millions. It, in NO WAY, reflects the thoughts, actions, or beliefs of an entire nation. Keep your uneducated, not thought out comments out of stories like this. No need.
I think CNN should stop airing Former Gov. Huckeby's commercial regarding slapping democrats regarding the health care bill during the live news regarding Congresswoman Gifford, it's in poor taste. Also check out http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/24/sarah-palins-pac-puts-gun_n_511433.html Sarah Palin's PAC has gun sights on a US map on democrats she's targeting regarding the health care bill.
@Todd: You're an idiot!
Carole Clarke – You are correct. We have strayed far from our "moral compass" (The Bible) and these are the things the "prince of the Air – Satan) just loves to see. I'v notice comments from Palin having blood on her hands to the GOP defending 2nd Amendment rights being the cause for this. The cause for this is "evil" that rules this world and the people that support it. I personally don't know a Dem or a GOP'er that would condone this sort of violence unless it was self defense or protection of your family. As far as I know, this qualifies for neither. We need to step up prosecution and "disposal" of people that don't want a peaceful society and are willing to kill to make their point. We MUST start to hold all people (this includes politicians, judges and lawmakers) to a higer degree of accountability – but, as you mentioned, without that "Moral Foundation" how can we do this?
No, for her own political advantage, she thought other american citizens did not desrve to live, so she got what she deserved.
At the very least CNN should be referring to her as a democratic representative. At the moment it is too early for details but it does seem likely this was a political statement, and probably encouraged by the lack of republican condemnation of tea party extremist statements, eg Sarah Palins crosshairs and the frequent reference to second amendment solutions. They did not hold the gun but they are responsible for the climate of fear mongering demagoguery.
wow CNN lets get facts before reporting anyone dying. MSNBC this whole time never confirmed any death. Horrible reporting once again on your part
MSNBC, BBC, CNN, Fox News and others have all falsely reported the death of Congresswoman Giffords. Throw them a bone. MSNBC was the first to display the death notice on their website.
Why do you people even read CNN.com if you hate their reporting so much?
Come on America. Blaming anyone other then the freak that pulled the trigger is ludicrous. He did it now he will have to pay for it.
If you dont like the current laws, flood the phone lines with your Congressmen and women. Take a stand. If you dont well then shut the hell up ... you are just a winer at this point!
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords(D). Whether we are Republicans, Democrats or Independents, Liberal or Conservative, we are all Americans FIRST! This offends me, as it should all Americans. Let us not forget the other victims of this senseless insanity; I wish them well also.
And to you, CNN; in an effort to "scoop" the story, once again you have behaved recklessly by "confirming" that the congresswoman had passed due to her injuries, only to step back when you really did not have confirmation. Are you really that hungry that you have to mis-inform before you have the facts? Shame on you.....
.
why are they not saying who did it? this is probably a set up to take away 2nd amendment rights, just like the thing with mr wheeler. They are setting us all up, while idiots out there are worried about who will win the superbowl, your country is being taken from you. AHHHHHHH! i just want to scream.
This is a very sad day! Shame on you Mr. Engel for attacking CNN during a time like this. They only report the news and an official (law enforcement) stated that she had been killed. CNN wasn't the only station to report her death, but it appears you are one of those crazy people who are more worried about politics than human lives!!!! SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!
So sad! How can people write the stuff that is in this queue? No sane person favors or advocates violence, murder or anything of that type. Blaming Palin, Obama or anyone in politics for this is simply demented. This is an even handed, thoughtful woman who loves her country, made tough choices, was one of a handful of centrists in Congress and not a rubber stamp for anyone and deserves our united respect and collective hope. Can't the right, left and moderates simply unite in recognition of the tragic and sad nature of this event, commend her for the courage and commitment evidenced by her willingness to serve, and pray for her and her family and for the others who were shot? This is a time only for compassion and reflection. And, undeniably, it is yet another horriffic reminder of how violent and gun heavy this country remains. Bless her and her family.
Panther50, very well put!!
My sentiments exactly!
The problem is that everyone unites and says "this is sad." Then everyone goes back to Washington and continues the same rhetoric, the same hateful speech, posting ads with districts under gunsights to "take back," and painting the other side as a demonic horde clamoring to destroy America.
If this was Tea Party (which judging by some of the stuff, wouldn't be surprising), The Right needs to come out in defense of the The Left, and they need to get their lunatic fringe under control. This isn't about blame. However, it is about leaders setting a tone in this country. And there are legit Right-leaning organizations and politicians that advocate "2nd ammendment solutions" our problems, instead of encouraging civil discourse that encourages positive debate and compromise.
Giffords is not a direct casualty of this tone, but she is symptomatic of a larger issue in this country. Back when people's offices were being vandalized, everyone said "this is unspeakable" and everyone "united." Now, no less than a year later, a congresswoman got a bullet in her head, 18 more are injured, and a federal judge died.
So we can talk about how much of a tragedy this is to we're blue in the face. But accountability needs to start happening, not just for the shooting or the vandalizing or harassment specifically, but for setting a hateful tone that divides Americans and then also exploits hat divide for political purposes.
I really couldn't agree with you more!! This is a very sad day and unfortunately, it will only entice more hate by both parties. We all need to come together and overcome this situation with love and respect for each other. My thoughts and prayers are with each person who was injured or killed, as well as the families that will be affected by this tragedy.
I hope and pray for her and all the other victims safe and fast recovery... Shame on those who have done this senseless act to hurt these people and their family's. I give my condolences to the family's that have lost loved ones because of this murderous act of terrorism, always remember that safety is a security that can be stolen away at any moment by the forces of evil and hatred no matter where you are in the world. May all those who have been murdered rest in peace.