08 Jan 2011 Project 21 Member Comments on Shooting in Arizona

Project 21 member Coby W. Dillard made the following statement regarding the shooting in Tucson, Arizona in which U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was critically injured and many others were injured and killed:

The shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords and others is a senseless act that has no place in our political discourse.  As Americans, we pride ourselves on the fact that, whatever our political disagreements, we are often able to resolve them without resorting to extremes of violence.

It is unfortunate that some choose the “bullet box” as the first method to voice their ideological frustrations rather than expressing them through the peaceful electoral process.  While some will attempt to blame a person, statement or organization for this incident, the ultimate responsibility for this shooting lies with the person who pulled the trigger and with them alone.

I join with the citizens of Representative Giffords’ district, her state and other Americans in praying for her family, as well as those of others wounded and killed in this incident.