Contact: Bob Sturm, 703-396-6974; after 6 PM & on weekends, 703-307-8176

MANASSAS, Va., Jan. 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, regarding the shooting in Tucson, Arizona of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:

"I was with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords on a panel just last week at Renaissance Weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. Gabby is a warm, upbeat, and cheerful woman who I've been blessed to know.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of Representative Giffords, as well as all the families of the wounded and deceased in the wake of this truly traumatic event.

"Regardless of political party, Americans are drawn together at this time of tragedy, and our prayers go out to the families of all the victims of this shocking act of violence.

"We are all Americans, and there're no Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, or liberals at times like these. When the violent acts of an individual aim to tear our society apart, they instead cause Americans to come together and unite stronger than ever.

"We pray for the lives lost, and for the full and speedy recovery of all who were wounded."