Colleagues, elected officials, and concerned citizens were in disbelief on Saturday after the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, (D-AZ) on Saturday.
Giffords was shot through the head in a tragic attack in Tucson that has killed 6 and left Giffords fighting for her life.
A vigil was held for Giffords on Saturday evening at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) expressed shock. "The whole notion that a member of Congress should have to fear for their life," she said, "when they are getting out and about among the people, which is our job, is very very tragic."
Local residents also expressed surprise and disgust for the shooting. "I can't imagine a more fundamental attack against this country than to shoot at elected officials," said Rick Rosendall, an attendee.
Capitol Police issued a message to members of Congress urging caution in public appearances. Authorities said they do not believe that this shooting is part of a larger attack on members of Congress.
Authorities have apprehended one suspect, 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner. Law enforcement is currently in search of an accomplice in the attack.
Politics
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House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office said that the work of Congress will be put in the wake of the shooting. "All legislation currently scheduled to be considered by the House of Representatives next week," Cantor said in a statement, "is being postponed so that we can take whatever actions may be necessary in light of today's tragedy."
Rep. Holmes said despite the attack, elected officials must not live in fear. "I don't take this one event to mean that 440 of us are in trouble," she said at Saturday's vigil. "And if we do, we need to get into another line of work."
