January 17, 2011

In the hours and days following the tragic shootings in Tucson, mayors across the country spoke out to condemn the senseless violence that had occurred, to offer condolences to the families of those killed and words of comfort to the other shooting victims and their families, to express hope for the future, and to call for actions to prevent such horrific events from occurring again. Among their statements:

Tucson Mayor Robert E. Walkup: “Heroes emerged on that Saturday. The way the people of Tucson responded is just what I would expect. We are a strong community and we will get through this.”

Conference of Mayors President Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth B. Kautz: “America’s mayors are deeply saddened by the tragic events which occurred in Tucson, January 8. This kind of senseless violence has no place in our communities. The shock of what happened in Tucson is being felt in all of our cities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and with Mayor Walkup and the citizens of Tucson.”

Conference of Mayors Vice President Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa: “Today is a very sad day for all those who have devoted their lives to public service, regardless of affiliation or ideology. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is a tenacious fighter who has served the 8th District of Arizona with the same courage and strength she is demonstrating today.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords’ family and staff members and I wish her a speedy and full recovery. My heart goes out to the families of all the victims of this senseless act of violence.”

Conference of Mayors Second Vice President Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter: “I was horrified and saddened by the January 8th tragedy in Tucson, AZ. I would like to express my condolences to the victims and each of their families. Gun violence has a devastating impact on U.S. communities each day. As we remember the victims and their loved ones, I would like to encourage legislators to consider responsible, common sense gun laws that inhibit gun violence and protect American families and individuals.”

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Conference Past President: “The violence which so sadly changed lives in Tucson on Saturday, January 8, 2011 is difficult to absorb and even more difficult to understand. Most of us could not comprehend having such an irrational act happen in our community. To make a senseless and inexplicable act something that makes sense is often not within our capabilities. Sometimes the ‘why’ is not ours to provide.

“What we should do as a caring people is to provide solace and comfort to those who are suffering from this tragedy. We pray for the healing of Representative Gabby Giffords and the speedy recovery of the others who were injured and we pray for the survivors of those who were lost as they mourn. We thank those who acted so selflessly during the violence. They are the people who always demonstrate the best in us.

“I believe in America and the strength of Americans. We will, as we always do, pass through this tragedy, hopefully wiser, stronger and more tolerant.”

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Conference Past President: “I want to extend my condolences and prayers to those who have lost their loved ones and to those that are suffering today. This is a national tragedy...But unfortunately, events like this happen far too often in America. We have to come back with some common sense gun laws.”

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Conference Past President and Co-chair, Mayors Against Illegal Guns: “The tragedy in Tucson, Arizona is a clear reminder of why our nation must reform its gun laws to prevent drug abusers and dangerous people from purchasing guns. We must do everything in our power as elected leaders to give law enforcement the tools and the resources they need to prevent such senseless tragedies.”

New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Co-chair, Mayors Against Illegal Guns: “Just as we saw after Virginia Tech, the Arizona tragedy has once again exposed fatal cracks in our background check system. The law says that drug abusers can’t buy guns, but even though Jared Loughner was rejected by the military for drug use and arrested on drug charges, he was able to pass a background check and buy a gun. It should be clear to everyone that the system is broken and it is time for our leaders in Washington to step up and fix it.”

Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker, Chair, Conference Committee on Criminal and Social Justice: “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Representative Giffords during her travels to Houston to visit her husband at NASA. We appreciate her commitment to protecting jobs at Johnson Space Center. She worked closely with our local congressional delegation on the changes that were ultimately adopted to protect manned space flight. We continue to pray for her and the families of all killed or injured in this senseless tragedy.”

Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Conference Trustee: “The tragedy in Tucson, Arizona is a clear reminder of why our nation must reform its gun laws to prevent drug abusers and dangerous people from purchasing guns. We must do everything in our power as elected leaders to give law enforcement the tools and the resources they need to prevent such senseless tragedies.”

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Chair, Conference Task Force on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: “The pictures and stories we’re seeing and hearing from Tucson today leave me more sad than I can describe. Rep. Giffords has long been a friend. Gabby is not only an admirable public servant, she is truly one of the most gracious, most caring people I’ve met in my life. She’s in my heart today along with her family, Judge John Roll and his family, and everyone whose life was touched by today’s shooting.

“Like you, I’m waiting to learn the facts of what happened, to get my mind around such a horrific tragedy. No matter what we learn, I know that violence like this is unacceptable. It diminishes our communities, the state of Arizona and our nation. Such violence stands in dark, painful contrast to the America we all work so hard to build and to protect.”