Obama Calls for Moment of Silence in the Wake of Giffords Shooting
Silence to Be Observed on Monday, January 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM EST
President Barack Obama, echoing the sentiments of the entire country, has requested that a nationwide moment of silence be observed to honor and respect the people killed and injured during the attempted assassination of US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, D-AZ, according to the White House web site.
"I call on Americans to observe a moment of silence to honor the innocent victims of the senseless tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, including those still fighting for their lives. It will be a time for us to come together as a nation in prayer or reflection, keeping the victims and their families closely at heart." The president made this statement Sunday.
The President also signed a proclamation calling for flags to be flown at half-staff.
The shooting occurred in Tucson at a Safeway supermarket. Representative Giffords has held these events before, calling them "Congress on the Corner" meetings. The day of the shooting, reports said, the crowd was modest a mere ten minutes after the event began. The lone gunman fired first at the Congresswoman, striking her in the head. He then proceeded to continue firing into the crowd until he was subdued by two members of the public.
Tragically, six people are dead. U.S. District Judge John Roll, Gabe Zimmerman, a 30-year-old Giffords aide, and 9 year old Christina Taylor Green were killed. In addition, three senior citizens, Dorothy Murray aged 76, Phyllis Schneck aged 79, and Dorwin Stoddard aged 76 also died from gunshot wounds.
Gabrielle Giffords is currently in the intensive care ward at the University Medical Center in Tucson. Medical Director Peter Rhee said Giffords was able to respond to simple commands following emergency surgery Saturday. "Overall, this is as good as it's going to get" in cases like this, he said.
Sources:
Published by Major Jester
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5 Comments
Post a CommentHere's hoping Congresswoman Giffords makes a full and speedy recovery so she can get back to work. She seems a good, responsible politician and we need more like her, even if she is a Democrat.
gut wrenching, and in the case of the 9 year old heart wrenching. Sad
Yet another great loss "for nothing."
My prayers are with all of the victims.
A tragedy indeed!
A tragedy for all of us.