Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand just boarded Air Force One with President Barack Obama to travel to Tucson, Arizona, and attend tonight’s memorial service for the victims of last weekend’s shooting. Senator Gillibrand, along with other Congressional members, will first travel to the University of Arizona Medical Center to visit with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ husband, staff, and other victims and their loved ones. Senator Gillibrand released the following statement:
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that only in moments of darkness, can we see the stars. I hope in this time of sadness and loss, we can find new strength to come together as a nation and foster greater respect for one another.
“We may never make any sense of this heinous crime, but I remember how Gabby so often urged people to stand up to the violent language that divides us, and focus on solutions. That is exactly what we need to do right now.
“I want to thank President Obama for his compassionate leadership at this time of great national tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of this horrible tragedy, their loved ones, and with all Americans as we struggle to move forward together.”