There’s a new Congress in town. But just as new members were finding their way around the Capitol, legislation was being prepared to debate, and anticipation was building for a challenging two years, it all came to an abrupt and shocking halt over the weekend when Representative Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords (D-AZ) was mercilessly shot outside a “Congress on Your Corner” event in Tuscon, Arizona, on Saturday, January 6th.

So far, out of the group gathered to participate in the event, 13 were injured, six people, including a Federal judge, a nine year old girl and a Congressional staffer, were killed while a strong wife and leader tragically lies in a hospital bed with a gunshot wound and her husband by her side.

The young man being held responsible for the shootings has not only taken innocent lives, but has also called into question the access folks across the country have to their elected officials.

As many of you are aware in East Alabama, I hold “Congress on Your Corner” events all across the Third Congressional District.  These events are well publicized, and are held so folks have an opportunity to talk to me one-on-one about whatever questions or concerns they may have.

In the wake of the Tuscon tragedy, I plan to continue a business as usual approach. I believe it is your right to talk with me one-on-one, and I want to provide the best service I can for each of you. My public events will continue as usual.

It seems increasingly clear the suspect acted alone, and was not part of any larger effort against the public. He was and is mentally ill. It is an unspeakable tragedy so many innocent lives were lost, in a setting where Americans were simply trying to have their voice heard as guaranteed under the Constitution.

These senseless acts of violence have no place in our society of free speech. Our nation has extraordinary challenges ahead, and we must as citizens discuss and debate those challenges respectfully with one another.

I hope each of us across East Alabama will keep Representative Giffords and her family as well as the other victims and their families in your prayers.

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