Gabby Giffords remembers survivors, victims of tragedy at Emanuel AME Church

WASHINGTON — Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, founder of the national gun violence prevention group GIFFORDS, released the following statement remembering the victims and survivors of the racist mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, nine years ago. The gunman, a neo-Nazi, shot and killed nine people and injured one in the Charleston church.

“Today, we honor and remember the victims and survivors of the racist mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church,” said former Congresswoman Giffords. “Houses of worship should be sanctuaries for peace and safety; yet, in an act of hate and terror, a gun was used to target victims because of the color of their skin. As we reflect on this somber day, I want to recognize the strength and resilience of the survivors and the loved ones of those lost. Their courage and commitment to advocacy in the face of such tragedy inspires me and many others to continue the work to condemn racism and disarm hate.”

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