WASHINGTON, DC – Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today released the following statement about the news that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several others were shot at a public constituent meeting in Tucson, AZ this morning.

“My prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff and the other victims of the shooting this morning, as well as their families and friends. This act of violence weighs heavily on my heart and my mind as information continues to unfold about this mindless attack. Whether through words or weapons, violence has no place in our democracy and all of us have a responsibility to foster a climate in which we can exchange ideas and views passionately but peacefully.”