Press Releases

Washington, D.C. — On the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, shooting in Tucson, Arizona, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) will introduce a bipartisan House–Senate concurrent resolution honoring the six people killed, the survivors whose lives were forever changed, and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, whose courage and leadership have inspired a national movement to end gun violence and reject political violence.  The resolution was cosponsored by more than 200 Members of the House and Senate. The full text is available here.

At 10:10 a.m. on January 8, 2011 – just days after being sworn in for her third term – Giffords was shot during a “Congress On Your Corner” event outside a Safeway grocery store in Tucson. Six people were killed, and thirteen were injured in an act of gun violence that shocked the nation and forever altered the lives of countless families.

“Fifteen years on, I still remember that moment I first heard of the unspeakable act that happened to my dear friend Gabby, and the senseless deaths and injuries of so many others around her. Sadly, political violence has only increased. That’s why we must never forget those who were lost that day, and it’s critical we honor the survivors, and make it clear these horrific acts of aggression have no place in our democracy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Gabby’s leadership exemplifies perseverance and moral clarity in action. And it’s her grit and resilience that continue to inspire Americans nationwide to promote civility, compassion, and life-saving solutions in our fight to end gun violence. This anniversary is a solemn reminder of profound loss and remarkable bravery. In honoring the victims and survivors, let us also redouble our efforts to reject hatred and political violence and build a safer, more respectful democracy.”

“Fifteen years ago, our nation faced a dark and devastating day when a mass shooting in Tucson wounded thirteen people, including my close friend Gaby Giffords, and took the lives of six others. Those gathered to meet with their elected representative were met with horrific violence. This tragedy reminds us of the urgent need to end the scourge of gun violence in our country,” said Gillibrand. “As we mark this anniversary, we must continue to honor the memories of those lost and stand with the survivors of that day’s events. Their strength and bravery continue to inspire us all to reject violence in all its forms and dedicate ourselves to creating a safer and more just nation.”

“Political violence is cowardly, criminal, and fundamentally un-American. It is an assault not only on individuals, but on the very foundations of our democracy. We saw that fifteen years ago in Tucson, where six innocent lives were senselessly lost and thirteen others were wounded, including my friend Gabby Giffords—whose resilience and leadership in the years since have stood as a powerful counterpoint to hatred. Through this resolution, we reaffirm, as a Congress and as a country, our unequivocal rejection of political violence and hatred in all their forms, and our shared commitment to unity, respect, and compassion,” said Fitzpatrick.

The resolution recognizes the six people who were killed and thirteen others who were injured, including Congresswoman Giffords. Among those killed were Chief Judge John Roll of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona; Gabriel “Gabe” Zimmerman, a Giffords’ staff member and the first congressional staffer killed while serving; Dorothy “Dot” Morris; Phyllis Schneck; Dorwan Stoddard; and nine-year-old Christina-Taylor Green.

Amidst the escalating political violence and threats directed at public officials, the resolution underscores our obligation to denounce violence, uphold democratic principles, and promote respectful discourse. The resolution reaffirms the dignity of public service and democratic values that unify and uplift all Americans.

Former Congresswoman Giffords, who has dedicated her life since the shooting to preventing gun violence and promoting civility, reflected on the anniversary:

“January 8th changed my life forever—but it did not lessen my belief in this country or in our responsibility to one another,” said Giffords. “We honor those we lost by choosing courage over fear, kindness over hatred, and action over silence. I am grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz, Representative Fitzpatrick, and Senator Gillibrand for honoring the victims and survivors and for continuing the work to build a safer, more peaceful future for our nation.”

###