Lillian Rodriguez-Lopez, chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, released the following statement regarding the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Federal Judge John Roll and others in Tucson, Arizona:
The Latino community was saddened and dismayed to learn that Congresswoman Giffords was shot Saturday in a tragedy that took the lives of several Americans including a nine year-old child and federal Judge John Roll. The victims and their families are in our thoughts and prayers. We have learned that the shooting took place as the Congresswoman talked with her constituents in her district—something the Congresswomen did often and the type of event that is a cornerstone of our democracy. Heinous acts and threats of violence simply have no place in our public discourse. As we learn more about the facts and motives of this tragedy, we all must pray for the recovery of the victims. We are heartened to learn that Representative Giffords has survived and we ask the community to pray for her full recovery.
Established in 1991, The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.