House Formally Condemns Tucson Attacks

The House unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday denouncing Saturday’s tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona.

“The House of Representatives condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific attack,” the resolution reads.

Holding back tears, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) addressed the chamber, saying that no resolution could capture the emotions felt by members of congress and calling for unity in the face of the tragedy.

“This is a time for the House to lock-arms in prayer for the fallen and the wounded in resolve to carry on a dialogue of Democracy,” Boehner said.

On Saturday, a gunman opened fire on a Congressional event outside of a Tucson-based grocery store, leaving Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) in critical condition and six others dead, including Federal Judge John Roll, Giffords’ staffer Gabe Zimmerman and Christina Greene, a nine year old girl.

The resolution honors the victims, as well as Arizona residents Patricia Maisch, Roger Sulzgeber, Joseph Zimudie and Daniel Hernandez who responded to the shooting by disarming the suspect and providing on-the-scene medical aid. The first responders and the hospital staff who attended to the victims are also given recognition.

The resolution will be one of the few actions taken by the House this week. Congressional leadership has postponed the bulk of their legislative activity in response to the shooting, including a vote on the repeal of health care reform initially scheduled for Wednesday.