Congresswoman McCollum's Statement on the Arizona Tragedy

Mr. Speaker, this House and the entire Nation extend our support, love, and best wishes to our colleague, Representative Gabby Giffords, and all those wounded in Saturday's shooting. We also mourn the deaths -the tragic and senseless deaths - of six Americans who were engaged in participating in street corner democracy with their Congresswoman.

My Minnesota constituents feel the pain and loss inflicted by a few seconds of gun violence. One of my St. Paul constituents visited my office on Monday and wrote a note to Congresswoman Giffords.

The note said, "I pray for your recovery. I want you to be strong and continue to the fighter that you are so you can continue to serve the people of America."

I too am praying for you, Gabby, for your family, and for all of the families who are in pain and mourning. May such unspeakable violence end in this country and may all Americans find the strength to live in peace.