Markey Releases Statement on Giffords Shooting

In light of the Saturday shooting of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, Rep. Edward Markey of Massachusetts' 7th District released a statement Saturday night regarding the incident.

The New York Times is reporting Giffords, a Democrat, was shot outside a Safeway in Tuscon and was among at least 12 people injured. Six people, including a 9-year-old girl and a federal judge, were killed in the shooting. The Times and other media outlets have identified the shooter as Jared Lee Lougher, 22.

Markey's statement follows:

Today’s news of the shooting of my colleague Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, members of her staff and her constituents is shocking and horrifying, and my deepest condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives today in such a senseless and tragic event. Gabby is a true Congressional Superstar – savvy, sharp, sincere and as sunny as the state she heralds from. Gabby was doing today what she loved best and what all of us in Congress consider a great responsibility and a true honor - to meet with and listen to our constituents. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family, and with all of those wounded today in the hopes for a full and speedy recovery.

Check back with Lexington Patch for further updates about how local, state and federal elected officials are handling the incident.