For Gabby Giffords, the other victims of today's shooting and their familes

[jAZ]

I don't pray. But many of you do.

I posted this in the thread I found in DC, but it's become filled with the natural political discussion that come from this.

For anyone who doesn't know, I live in Tucson.

Gabby is my congresswoman, but she was also a friend to me and my family. My old boss was married to her sister. I worked closely with Gabby, Ron Barber, and Gabe Zimmerman through my work. I had hosted a political debate between her and her opponent 7 days before the Nov election. I sit on an industry advisory board with her husband Mark.

In fact, when Gabe's predecessor stepped down to take another position here in Tucson, I flirted with the idea of filling the role that Gabe ultimately filled and and was doing when he was killed today.

I was at the meeting with a number of people and she was on her way to the meeting after this event.

I say all of this because this isn't a political issue for me. It's very personal for me and my family and a very real human tragedy. Please keep this in mind when posting in this thread.

I just got back from the candlelight vigil at the hospital where she and the others are being cared for. I took a few photos and wanted to share.

I wanted to start a thread here to ask for your thoughts or prayers for everyone involved and affected by this horrible act.

http://l15.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc6/hs067.snc6/167792_484461952967_502077967_6016071_4825566_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs742.ash1/163473_484461972967_502077967_6016072_1469923_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs034.snc6/166398_484462007967_502077967_6016073_5139724_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs071.snc6/168180_484461782967_502077967_6016062_220315_n.jpg

[CaliforniaChief]

I definitely believe in the power of prayer and will pray for her, all those injured, and you along with the others who have been personally affected by this terrible event.

So sorry about this, man.

[Ming the Merciless]

Been praying on and off since I saw this horrible news.

My heart goes out to the familes / friends of all 5 who died and the rest who were hurt and had to witness this.

[WebGem]

Sorry jAZ, hopefully things get better as quickly as possible for everyone else involved.

[1ChiefsDan]

Just saw a tweet that she is awake and recognized her husband. Hoping for better days ahead.

[black angus]

A terrible tragedy. My condolences go to all the victims and their families. I hope
the congresswoman makes a full recovery from what sounds like a horrible wound.
Have they apprehended the perpetrator yet?

[Frazod]

Sorry for your loss, jAZ. Hope your friend and the other victims pull through.

[jAZ]

He was captured at the event. A 2nd "person of interest" is still on the loose. For those who haven't heard, 18 shot, 6 dead.

Link to story here:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/08/arizona.shooting/index.html?hpt=T1

About Gabe:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/47288.html

[Marcellus]

The story states there is reason to believe the shooter has mental problems. You think?

[ChiefaRoo]

Terrible situation. Awful. All the best to the families of the dead and injured.

[JD10367]

Just saw a tweet that she is awake and recognized her husband. Hoping for better days ahead.

I was watching the early reports of this event this morning, and turned the channel in disgust when they reported she was dead. So, apparently, I'm very pleased to see that was an erroneous report. CNN just mentioned she's in Critical condition but if this report is true (that she's awake and recognized her husband) then it's amazing.

[jAZ]

I was watching the early reports of this event this morning, and turned the channel in disgust when they reported she was dead. So, apparently, I'm very pleased to see that was an erroneous report. CNN just mentioned she's in Critical condition but if this report is true (that she's awake and recognized her husband) then it's amazing.

It's stunning. She's not out of it yet. But it's unbelievable. Sad that same isn't true for the others.

[1ChiefsDan]

Any news on the 2nd suspect they are looking for?

[Lonewolf Ed]

He was captured at the event. A 2nd "person of interest" is still on the loose. For those who haven't heard, 18 shot, 6 dead.

Link to story here:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/08/arizona.shooting/index.html?hpt=T1

About Gabe:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0111/47288.html

From what I have heard and read so far, he was using a pistol. When I first heard of it, however, I thought it had to be something else since so many were hit. Do you have any idea what he was carrying? The reason I thought that is because of how many people were hit. I'd think he might have missed a few times, at least.

It boggles my mind how someone can do something like this. If one particular person was a target for whatever twisted reason, you can see what the goal may have been, but to just blow away so many people who can't possibly have any affect on whatever it was that set him off just doesn't compute on any level. It's sad that there are such tattered, shattered minds out there...

[jAZ]

From what I have heard and read so far, he was using a pistol. When I first heard of it, however, I thought it had to be something else since so many were hit. Do you have any idea what he was carrying? The reason I thought that is because of how many people were hit. I'd think he might have missed a few times, at least.

It boggles my mind how someone can do something like this. If one particular person was a target for whatever twisted reason, you can see what the goal may have been, but to just blow away so many people who can't possibly have any affect on whatever it was that set him off just doesn't compute on any level. It's sad that there are such tattered, shattered minds out there...

9MM Gloc with an extended clip.

The report I heard was that there were about 35-40 people there but because of the positioning of the table outside the doors, people were effectively trapped with no where to go. So he quickly shot basically 1/2 the people attending the event at that point.

[Imon Yourside]

I have to admit i knew nothing about her before today, but after reading her bio and a few tidbits from people i trust, I like her political views as well. I'm praying for a full recovery and true Justice when dealing with the sick $@!@!# that were involved in perpetrating this. I pray the ones that passed are with the Lord now.

[mnchiefsguy]

Thoughts and prayers for those fighting to stay alive, and for those grieving the loss of their loved ones.

[Reaper16]

:(

[jAZ]

I have to admit i knew nothing about her before today, but after reading her bio and a few tidbits from people i trust, I like her political views as well. I'm praying for a full recovery and true Justice when dealing with the sick $@!@!# that were involved in perpetrating this. I pray the ones that passed are with the Lord now.
She is a fantastic Congresswoman and a better person.

[RealSNR]

Incredibly great news to hear that she is still alive. Almost a miracle, really. It appears to me that she'll pull through and still maintain cognition and all that.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

I'm truly sorry for the heartache you've had to go through. My condolences.

[FAX]

I've been praying for those people since I heard the news.

Senseless. Insane. Unbelievably sad.

Thanks for posting this, Mr. jAZ.

FAX

[big nasty kcnut]

Prayers sent i'm going to do a philosophical post on this shootings.

[ClevelandBronco]

Of course, jAZ. I'm sorry for all of us that this happened at all, and I'm sorry that this has affected you so personally.

[old_geezer]

I've been praying for those people since I heard the news.

Senseless. Insane. Unbelievably sad.

Thanks for posting this, Mr. jAZ.

FAX

Pretty well sums up what happened. My prayers to you and all those affected by this tragedy.

[chief52]

Mind boggling...such destruction of life in such a short amount of time.

May the healing begin.

The little 9 year old girl that was killed, Christina Taylor Green was the daughter of Dodger scout John Green and the granddaughter of Dallas Green, ex-Phillie manager.

[threebag]

Prayers to all.

[ChiefsChick]

While we live in Missouri now, our son was born in Tucson and we were sad to hear that this happened yesterday. Thoughts and prayers to the victims, survivors and their families.

[gblowfish]

Earlier this year, there was a story here in KC about a burglar who broke into a home in the wee hours and raped an 80 year old woman. That woman was the mom of one of my friends.

I understand how it feels to have the news impact and swirl around people you know personally. And when people make insensitive and stupid comments -as happened with this rape situation on the CP- it really stings.

Sorry you lost friends in this senseless act. The whole incident is a very sad commentary on the state of the country, and the insanity of how easy it is to get ahold of a gun in the USA.

[Gracie Dean]

add my prayers to the mix

[Braincase]

I pray. I believe that thoughts become things. I hope this serves a catalyst for more peace and love between Americans, as well as the rest of the world.

[Gracie Dean]

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[ProAngler]

im a tucsonan right now and its been horrable. I drove by the store were it happened at 10am exactly going to a job. I didnt know about it till i got home. I could have been driving right next to the shotter on his way there.

[jAZ]

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_682a37d6-1d9c-11e0-9c76-001cc4c002e0.html

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/azstarnet.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/0/d8/7b0/0d87b00a-1d9d-11e0-b5f9-001cc4c002e0-revisions/4d2c808838a51.preview-300.jpg

The family of Christina-Taylor Green, killed in the Saturday shootings, has announced a charitable memorial fund to honor her life and memory.

The fund will be held by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.
"Our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for our sweet Christina. This memorial fund will ensure her legacy for the children in our community," said John Green, Christina's father, in a press statement.

Here are the ways to make a donation in memory of Christina:
Online at www.cfsoaz.org - click on the link to the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Fund.

E-mail christinataylorgreenmemorial@cfsoaz.org
Call (520) 545-0313.

Send a check to:
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona,
In Memory of Christina Taylor Green,
2250 E. Broadway Blvd.,
Tucson, AZ 85719