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Lawmakers shocked, disgusted over Arizona shooting

Tim Leeds

Montana's U.S. lawmakers issued statements Saturday expressing their feelings over the shooting in Tucson, Ariz., that left U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz,, and 13 others injured and six others dead.

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., said he knows all Montanans are joining him and his wife, Jan, in sending their thoughts and prayers to Giffords, her staff and constitutents and all of their families.

"My friend Gabby always fought for what she thought was best for the people she represented," Rehberg said. "This gunman's senseless actions do not forward any motive or agenda. His attack is not only an attack on the people who were in that parking lot — they are an attack on the very concept of open government."

Jared Loughner, 22, was scheduled to appear in court at 2 p.m. today to face charges in Saturday's shoooting.

President Barack Obama Sunday signed a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff and called for a moment of silence today to honor the victims.

"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," Obama said in the release calling for the moment of silence.

Montana's U.S. senators also issued statements Saturday about the shooting.

"This tragedy is unimaginable. My heart goes out to the family of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff and all of the victims of this horrible attack," Max Baucus said. "The people of Arizona are in my thoughts and prayers as we all cope with this extremely sad news.

"I'm pulling for the best possible recovery for Representative Gifford and all of those injured in today's attack and my deepest condolences go out to families of the victims," Baucus said.

"I'm disgusted by today's attack, and my prayers are with all those whose lives will be changed forever by this tragedy," Jon Tester said. "An attack on public officials is an attack on our representative democracy.

"The actions of one crazed person will not stand in the way of the open lines of communication and public service Montanans deserve and expect from me and my staff," Tester added. "I'm proud that, as Montanans, far more unites us than divides us."

Montana's U.S. lawmakers issued statements Saturday expressing their feelings over the shooting in Tucson, Ariz., that left U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz,, and 13 others injured and six others dead.

Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., said he knows all Montanans are joining him and his wife, Jan, in sending their thoughts and prayers to Giffords, her staff and constitutents and all of their families.

"My friend Gabby always fought for what she thought was best for the people she represented," Rehberg said. "This gunman's senseless actions do not forward any motive or agenda. His attack is not only an attack on the people who were in that parking lot — they are an attack on the very concept of open government."

Jared Loughner, 22, was scheduled to appear in court at 2 p.m. today to face charges in Saturday's shoooting.

President Barack Obama Sunday signed a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff and called for a moment of silence today to honor the victims.

"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," Obama said in the release calling for the moment of silence.

Montana's U.S. senators also issued statements Saturday about the shooting.

"This tragedy is unimaginable. My heart goes out to the family of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff and all of the victims of this horrible attack," Max Baucus said. "The people of Arizona are in my thoughts and prayers as we all cope with this extremely sad news.

"I'm pulling for the best possible recovery for Representative Gifford and all of those injured in today's attack and my deepest condolences go out to families of the victims," Baucus said.

"I'm disgusted by today's attack, and my prayers are with all those whose lives will be changed forever by this tragedy," Jon Tester said. "An attack on public officials is an attack on our representative democracy.

"The actions of one crazed person will not stand in the way of the open lines of communication and public service Montanans deserve and expect from me and my staff," Tester added. "I'm proud that, as Montanans, far more unites us than divides us."

 

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