On Monday at 11:00 am, EST, President Obama, the First Lady and White House staff joined many across the country in observing a moment of silence to honor the innocent victims of the senseless tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, including those still fighting for their lives.
In addition to being briefed on the investigation, Obama made calls to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ husband, Mark Kelly, the families of Christina-Taylor Green and Gabe Zimmerman, as well as House Leadership and members of the Arizona delegation in both the House and Senate.
U.S. Navy Captain and NASA astronaut, Mark Kelly, Giffords’ husband issued his first statement since the tragic events last Saturday.
“On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support”, Kelly said. “Gabby was doing what she loved most – hearing from her constituents – when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.”
Kelly’s statement made no mention of his wife’s condition, but doctors attending the congresswoman said, while she remains in critical condition, they were “guardedly optimistic” in terms of her progress. Giffords, who remains in a medically induced coma, was still following commands and there was no progression of the swelling of her brain, doctors said. But they added, she was not yet “out of the woods.”
In his statement, Kelly said, “Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby’s team, Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery.”
Kelly also expressed his appreciation to all the first responders, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers who acted swiftly at the time of the shooting and who continue to assist the community through the tragedy.
“Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful”, the statement said.
Scott Kelly, Mark’s twin brother who is also a NASA astronaut and is in space aboard the International Space Station, also issued a statement.
“I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, words of condolences and encouragement for the victims and their families of this horrific event,” Scott Kelly tweeted from space.
“My sister-in-law, Gabrielle Giffords, is a kind, compassionate, brilliant woman, loved by friends and political adversaries alike — a true patriot,” he wrote. “What is going on in our country that such a good person can be the subject of such senseless violence? It’s a sad day.”
Mark Kelly, who flew from Houston to Arizona on Saturday to be at his wife’s side following the shooting, is scheduled to command what is expected to be final flight of space shuttle Endeavour, scheduled to launch April 1. It is not clear yet whether he would still do so.
