Colleagues praise Giffords, ask prayers

Members of the region’s congressional delegation reacted Saturday to the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords that left her in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head. At least six people died in the gunfire at a meeting with constituents in Tucson, Ariz.

Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in a prepared statement said the shooting shocked and saddened her.

“This was a senseless act and a national tragedy,” she said.

McMorris Rodgers knows Giffords through the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and their membership on the Committee on Armed Services.

“I always found her to be a …

Members of the region’s congressional delegation reacted Saturday to the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords that left her in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head. At least six people died in the gunfire at a meeting with constituents in Tucson, Ariz.

Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in a prepared statement said the shooting shocked and saddened her.

“This was a senseless act and a national tragedy,” she said.

McMorris Rodgers knows Giffords through the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and their membership on the Committee on Armed Services.

“I always found her to be a smart, generous and committed leader for the people of Arizona and America,” she said. “I am praying for Rep. Giffords, all the victims of this terrible tragedy, and their families.”

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, called the incident an “unthinkable tragedy” and said Giffords is a “bright, talented congresswoman.”

“She is an incredible leader on important 21st century issues of clean energy, border security and the innovation economy,” Cantwell said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and congressional staff. … And our prayers also go out to all those who lost their lives or have been injured by this senseless shooting.”

Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee, who worked with Giffords on clean energy issues, also issued a statement.

“My thoughts are with Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, the other victims and their families, and I send my heartfelt condolences to those families who suffered an unbearable loss this morning,” he said. “I wish for her full and speedy recovery and in the meantime I ask all Washingtonians to join me in supporting the victims and their families.”

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, a Republican, called the shooting a “senseless tragedy” and said he and his wife were “praying for a full recovery by Congresswoman Giffords and for the families who lost loved ones in this mindless attack.”