"I am sickened by the horrific attack in Tucson today and saddened by this senseless violence. This is a tragedy for Arizona, our nation and our democracy. Gabrielle never let fear or intimidation prevent her from serving the people of Arizona. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her husband Mark, her staff, all those who were injured and their families."
Rep. RaΓΊl M. Grijalva
D-Ariz.
"I am horrified by the violent attack on Representative Gabrielle Giffords and many other innocent people by a wicked person who has no sense of justice or compassion. I pray for Gabby and the other victims, and for the repose of the souls of the dead and comfort for their families. β¦ Whoever did this; whatever their reason, they are a disgrace to Arizona, this country and the human race, and they deserve and will receive the contempt of all decent people and the strongest punishment of the law."
U.S. Sen. John McCain
R-Ariz.
"We're all praying for Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, and her constituents. Congresswoman Giffords is an extremely hard worker and a fighter, and I pray that those attributes aid her as she receives treatment for her injuries."
Rep. Jeff Flake
R-Ariz.
"This is a sad and dark day for our country, and an absolute tragedy that I don't want to believe could happen here. My heart is shattered for the family of Gabrielle Giffords and for all the innocent people who were killed or hurt today."
Harry Mitchell
Former U.S. representative
"Senseless acts of violence like these are shocking, disturbing and have no place in our country. β¦ We sincerely hope that the responsible party is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Rancy Pullen
AZ GOP chairman
"She was more than a friend of the fort: She was part of our fort family. This senseless act leaves us all shocked."
Brig. Gen. Gregg Potter
Commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca
"The last thing I saw Rep. Giffords doing on the floor of the House of Representatives was reading the First Amendment of our Constitution; and while she was out exercising that right under that same amendment, some monster reportedly shot her at point-blank range. We should make it clear to such evil individuals that free people in a constitutional republic such as ours will not be intimidated by this kind of evil."
Rep. Trent Franks
R-Ariz.
"All of Arizona is shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy that transpired this morning in Tucson. I am just heartbroken. Gabby is more than just a colleague: She is my friend. She has always been a noble public servant."
Gov. Jan Brewer
"This senseless act of violence is a sobering reminder of how precious life is, and my deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims."
Ann Kirkpatrick
Former U.S. representative
"The shooting of Congresswoman Giffords, her staff members and others in Tucson this morning comes as a terrible shock. ... It is heartbreaking to hear that she was shot as she was meeting with her constituents to listen to their concerns. This senseless attack on a leader like Congresswoman Giffords and working Arizonans has no place in a democratic society like ours."
Rebekah Friend
Executive director and secretary/ treasurer of the Arizona AFL-CIO
"I am honored to count Gabby as a close friend, and I know she has always fought for Arizonans and is beloved by her constituents and the people of Tucson. She is one of the brightest and best, and we all know through our hopes and prayers that she will fight through this. This is a human tragedy, and we are praying for all the other victims who are here with her."
Steve Farley
Assistant House Democratic leader
"She has always stood up for what's right for Arizona, and now we are all standing up for her."
Matt Heinz
House Democratic whip
"As a longtime supporter of NASA, Representative Giffords not only has made lasting contributions to our country, but is a strong advocate for the nation's space program and a member of the NASA family. She also is a personal friend with whom I have had the great honor of working. We at NASA mourn this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Congresswoman Giffords, her husband Mark Kelly, their family, and the families and friends of all who perished or were injured in this terrible tragedy."
Charles Bolden
NASA administrator
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."
President Obama, speaking Saturday at the White House
