Pia Carusone, the chief of staff for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), has released the following statement about today’s shooting:

An unthinkable tragedy occurred at our Congress On Your Corner event today in Tucson. Our community has lost beloved friends and colleagues, and many more are injured. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of them and to those who are suffering the loss of treasured friends and family members.

Congresswoman Giffords is dedicated to serving the people of Southern Arizona. It was in this spirit that our office organized today’s event. We will make further statements as details become available. We offer thanks to the law enforcement, first responders, and medical personnel who work to save lives and mend the injured.

David Kurtz

David Kurtz is Managing Editor and Washington Bureau Chief of Talking Points Memo where he oversees the news operations of TPM and its sister sites.