N.C. delegation reacts to Giffords shooting; Shuler plans to carry gun more often
Image has not been found. URL: http://images.americanindependent.com/VirginiaFoxx_thumb.jpgIn light of the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Politico reports that North Carolina Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) said in the future, he will take extra precautions of his own during public events: “After the elections, I let my guard down. Now I know I need to have [my gun] on me. We’re going to need to do a much better job of with security at these events.”
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) reacted on her Twitter account, “Distressed about Shooting of Rep. Giffords. Am sure all members are praying for complete recovery. Please join us in prayer.”
Foxx also spoke with the Winston Salem Journal, saying:
“„“I don’t think members of Congress incite that kind of rhetoric — I don’t think the things we say incite that kind of behavior. And I don’t know that the things other people say incite it. I just think we have deranged individuals in this country and occasionally they do bad things.
“„“This guy appears to be a communist. His beliefs are the liberal of the liberals. There is no evidence whatsoever that this man was influenced by Sarah Palin or anybody in the Republican Party. This man is not a conservative; he’s a fan of communism — that’s the opposite of conservatism.
“„“The members of Congress, we put ourselves out there, and we’re willing to take whatever risk there is, but it is so sad that this involved innocent people. We never want anyone else to be harmed because of our positions.”
Nevertheless, Foxx has used harsh rhetoric before; one example was in tying federal health care reform’s impact on the U.S. to that of terrorism. On Nov. 2, 2009, Foxx said: “I believe we have more to fear from the potential of that [health reform] bill passing than we do from any terrorist right now in any country.”
A number of members of the N.C. Congressional delegation sent out statements.
“I am shocked and saddened over the senseless attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, her staff and constituents, and over the sad news that this attack has taken the life of US District Court Judge John Roll. We cannot and must not tolerate acts of violence such as these, especially when the victims are working for the good of the American people. My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Giffords and her family, the family of Judge Roll, and all of the victims and their families during this difficult and tragic time.”
Rep. Larry Kissell (D):
“I am honored to not only call Congresswoman Giffords a colleague, but also a true friend. Her selfless hard work on behalf of the people of her district is a true testament to her dedication to helping others. I ask you to join me in praying for Gabby’s recovery, as well as all of the victims and families that have been touched by this senseless tragedy.”
Rep. Mike McIntyre (D) spoke with the Wilmington Star- News about Giffords and said in a statement that she “is an exceptional public servant whose dedication and determination to serve her constituents, state, and nation are an example for all of us to follow. She is a good friend with whom I have worked closely with on many issues. Our prayers are for her and all affected by this senseless tragedy.”
Sen. Kay Hagan (D) said “Today’s shooting in Arizona is an absolute tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her family and staff, and the families of those injured and killed.”
Sen. Richard Burr (R) said he is “shocked and deeply saddened to learn about this senseless shooting. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and families affected by this tragic event.”
