The Hill News

Lawmakers from both parties reacted with disbelief and sadness to the news of the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).

"I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff.  An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve," said House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a statement. "Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society....This is a sad day for our country."

"A good heart, one of the nicest members of Congress.I saw her yesterday,never even suspected it would be the last time," tweeted Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) minutes after reports began to emerge that Giffords died after being shot in the head at a public event in Tucson. However, conflicting reports indicate that Giffords is alive, and in surgery at a Tucson hospital.

"I feel sick to my stomach. Praying," tweeted Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.).

"Rep. Giffords and all victims in today's! shooting are in my prayers. Those responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," tweeted Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.).

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