AJC Horrified at Shooting Attack Upon Arizona Congresswoman's Public Meeting

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Jan 08, 2011, 07:16 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC expressed horror at today's shooting spree at a public meeting hosted by Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D) in Tucson. Giffords, who just began her third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, was shot in the head and is in critical condition.

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"This is a dark day for our country," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Our thoughts are with those shooting victims who were murdered and those injured who remain in the hospital, along with their families and loved ones."

Six people, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old child, were killed by what appears to have been a lone shooter. At least 12 others, including Giffords, were wounded.

"We are confident that all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations, will unite to condemn this atrocity, and reaffirm our faith in our country's fundamental democratic values of mutual respect and free speech," Harris said.

A 22-year-old man was arrested immediately after the shootings.

"There are worrying indications that the gunman was motivated by extremist political views, which encourage the use of violence against those who think differently," said Harris. "He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and law enforcement should investigate whether he acted alone or had any accomplices."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee