Washington, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement today on the shooting of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several other victims:
“Today is a very sad day for our nation. Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, members of her staff and innocent bystanders were shot today in a despicable act of violence. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, the victims, and their families.
“There is much we still don’t know about what happened today, but one thing is for certain – heinous acts of violence have no place in our society. As we grieve for those we have lost and those who are struggling to hang on, we must come together as a nation and stand strong against violence.
“Mary and I join all Oregonians in holding Congresswoman Giffords and all the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers.”