Domestic Terrorism – Rep. Giffords shot (Updated)
Yesterday, I was talking with Brian Katulis from the Center for American Progress about the Pakistani governor who was shot by his body guard. We talked about the political violence that seems to always dominate Pakistani politics. Salman Taseer, a liberal, was speaking out against some religious laws in their secular society. Now, the exact kind of thing happens here. Gabrielle Giffords spoke out against targeting, which is so popular on the right. This is so sad.
Surgeon’s press conference below:
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Update: I have added the shooter’s rambling You Tube video. I don’t know if I should have added it or not. For now, I’m going to leave it on this post. (I removed the creepy music.)
From RS:
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was shot Saturday during a public event outside a Tucson, Arizona grocery store.
Giffords, 40, took her seat in Congress in 2007 and has advocated for immigration reform, among other Democratic-led issues. She was among 20 members of Congress who were on former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s so-called “hit list,” depicted in a graphic online with targeting crosshairs over their individual districts, still viewable on her Facebook page.
“Palin has crosshairs on our district; people have to realize there are consequences to that,” Giffords told MSNBC.
In a statement hours after the shooting, Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), newly-elected Speaker of the House, said: “I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff. An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country.”
President Barack Obama released this statement:
“This 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.
“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.”
Update: From TPM – Federal Judge John Roll was shot and killed in this morning’s attack in Tucson. He had earlier been under protective custody because of threats tied to case tied to the illegal immigration issue in the state.