Sewell calls Giffords’ shooting ‘unconscionable’

Published 1:49 pm Saturday, January 8, 2011

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (Ala.-7) called the shooting of Congressomwan Gabrielle Giffords “unconscionable.”

Giffords of Arizona was shot in the head Saturday when an assailant opened fire outside a Safeway store during a meeting with constituents, killing at least five people and injuring others.

Giffords, 40, was among 10 people injured, and medical authorities at the hospital said her outlook is “optimistic” and she was responding after surgery for a bullet wound to the head.

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Sewell said her thoughts and prayers are with Giffords, her husband, family staff and all the victims of the attack.

“The tragedy that occurred today is unconscionable and will not be tolerated,” Sewell said in a prepared statement. “The perpetrator that is responsible for this horrific act should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Police say the suspect in the shooting was in custody. Pima County, Ariz., sheriff’s authorities said the suspect used a pistol in the shooting spree.

Sewell said federal, state and local law enforcement authorities are invetigating the shootings and “will work toward identifying ways in which to enhance security measures that affect members of Congress, our staff and constituents as we carry out our job of serving the needs of our districts.”

Sewell asked that all in the 7th District remember Giffords, her family, staff and all the victims of the shooting in their prayers.