Mack: Shootings ‘a horrible tragedy’
Many prayers across the country have been made since the fatal shooting that took place in Tuscon, Ariz., Saturday that left Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords fighting for her life after she was shot in the head.
Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL) said everyone who was involved in the horrible tragedy Saturday is in his thought and prayers.
“Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are not only with Gabby, but with all the families who have lost loved ones,” he said. “It is such a horrible tragedy.”
He explained that he is currently going through a lot of different emotions of sadness and anger. On the one hand, he said he personally knows Gifford and she is one of the nicest people he has ever met.
“She is one of the sweetest, kindest people you will ever meet,” Mack said. “She is a very nice person.”
On the other hand, he shared that he is angry at “this guy (Jared Loughner), who is clearly insane to walk up to someone and pull the trigger.”
Although Mack said he is always concerned about his safety, the shooting would not change his decision of being a congressman.
“I think it is important that we realize that this was clearly an isolated incident … that this guy was out of his mind,” he said, adding that he will continue to reach out his constituents.
On Wednesday, a bi-partisan conference will be held to review the different safety procedures that are in place for Congress. Mack explained that the procedures will not keep them from interacting with their constituents.
Giffords’ condition remains stable after surgery that removed half of her skull, so the tissue could expand without any bruising, the Associated Press stated.
The Saturday shooting involved 19 people. The attack took the lives of six individuals and left eight others hospitalized. Gifford is still in critical condition, five are in serious condition and two are in good condition.
Loughner, 22, faced a federal court hearing Monday afternoon in Phoenix on charges of trying to assassinate Giffords Saturday, according to the Associated Press.
Although more charges are expected against Loughner, he is currently being charged with one count of attempted assassination of a member of Congress, two counts of killing an employee of the federal government and two counts of attempting to kill a federal employee.