my congresswoman was shot today

[azfiddle]

I came back from a wonderful ride to an urgent message from a friend that Gabrielle Giffords, the congresswoman who represents my district, was shot in the head at point blank range at a community rally at a shopping center- along with 11 other people. Although I did not know her personally, I volunteered for her campaign and she was a very caring and committed person. I am so upset I don't know what to say.

[PamNY]

I've been following this story and it's just tragic.

Having this sort of thing hit close to home is so upsetting -- my thoughts go out to Rep. Giffords and all of you who are affected by this tragedy.

[NbyNW]

I've been following this, too. It is shockingly awful. I'm glad they have the shooter in custody.

[Crankin]

This is a sad day for Tucson. I feel like I don't what to say about my former state anymore. While this could certainly happen anywhere, things seem so polarized in AZ. It's really upsetting me, too.

[Trek420]

I've been trying to keep up with this. I keep expecting programming here (Northern CA) to be interrupted with news but nothing so far. I've been following online.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oakland...870?source=rss

I am so sorry. I hope somehow that she is ok. My thoughts and prayers are with her, her staff and their families, Arizona and I guess all of us.

I am glad they have the shooter in custody.

[Biciclista]

I am truly sorry for your loss, and our loss. She died and she's not the only one. I am so sad that our country has become so dangerous and filled with hate. Another bright light has gone out.

[Trek420]

According to MSNBC, Congresswoman Gifford is out of surgery, under anesthesia and in critical condition. And yet the surgeon is optimistic for her eventual recovery.

Several other staff members are still in surgery.

[OakLeaf]

Just got home and saw this.

She is ALIVE according to the latest reports.

Let's all pray/send vibes that she stays that way and makes a complete recovery, and that everyone behind this is put away.

[abejita]

I don't think she died. The front page of msnbc says that her surgeons are optimistic for her survival. A federal judge was killed.

[Trek420]

I don't think she died. The front page of msnbc says that her surgeons are optimistic for her survival. A federal judge was killed.

.... and a 9 year old kid Watching the President on MSNBC, 5 others are fighting for their lives.

[KnottedYet]

I heard she was on Sarah Palin's "Hit List."
Alaska Dispatch: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/blogs/...fords-shooting
Putting the cross-hairs of a gun-sight over Gabrielle Giffords (and 20 other democrats) on your website is probably not the best move to make when you are hoping to run for President in 2012.

Do we have any information on the motives of the shooter?

[Owlie]

Thus far, apparently not, though I'm going to keep my guesses to myself.

[Trek420]

Thus far, apparently not, though I'm going to keep my guesses to myself.

I don't mean to politicize the board. Obviously Mrs Palin was not the nut to pull the trigger (and bring an automatic weapon with enough firepower to ....) but did he take her list and advice too literally? I don't know.

Sarah Palin posted images of Rep. Giffords’ name and location in crosshairs on her Takebackthe20 website, which encourages getting rid of Democratic elected officials in Republican districts. Palin is no stranger to getting people riled up. She famously tweeted, “Commonsense Conservatives and lovers of America: “Don’t Retreat, Instead – RELOAD!”

http://www.businessinsider.com/gabri...it-list-2011-1

People, please. This is America. Can we have discussion? Can we agree to disagree? Can we find some common ground instead of having to run for higher ground?

[malkin]

...and a nine-year-old...

So sad.

[Kerry1976]

There are so many disturbing and sad things about this whole event....but what really struck me is that she was in her community trying to talk to her constituents when this happened. She was trying to do the work of a good congresswoman - being out there with those whom she represents. How many congressmen do this? Mine sure doesn't.

I hope she and the others injured have a full and speedy recovery - and thinking of those who did not escape from the gunman with their lives.

As far as Sarah Palin's Target List, which apparently uses gun sights on districts - this is appalling, no matter what side of the political spectrum you fall. She should take this down immediately (it should never have been designed as such but too late for that now) out of respect.