Congress Stands Together in Condemning Arizona Shooting, Praying for those Killed and Wounded

I hope no one ever has to take a call like the one I received at home in West Chester on Saturday.

I was told that my colleague Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) had been attacked in Tuscon, Arizona, outside a grocery store while carrying out one of the most fundamental responsibilities of a Member of Congress -- listening to her constituents. A nine year-old girl, a Congressional staffer and a federal judge were among those who were killed. More than a dozen others were wounded.

As I said in an address on Sunday morning, such heinous acts of violence have no place in our society. An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve.

This is a very dark moment. But of course, our great nation has faced many challenges before and never failed to persevere.

I want to commend the federal, state and local officials, as well as the Capitol Police, for their efforts. I also thank all who have kept Congresswoman Giffords and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.

At a time when an individual has shown us humanity at its worst, we must continue to rise to the occasion and show a nation and a Congress at its best.

Sincerely,

/s/ John Boehner