WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement on the shooting today of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) at a meeting with constituents in Tucson: 

“Jane’s and my thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords.  Our hearts go out to all those who were slain and wounded in Tucson. This is a sad day for all Americans.

“This senseless and cowardly shooting occurred as the congresswoman and her constituents were engaged in the kind of event that makes our democracy work and represents America at its best. Anti-government sentiment carried to a violent and deadly extreme is a sad reflection of America at its worst. America is better than this.”