Gabby Giffords remembers the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement remembering the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue mass shooting that took place in Pittsburgh seven years ago today. Eleven people were killed and six more were injured in the antisemitic attack, which was carried out using an AR-15 in addition to other guns. Last year, Congresswoman Giffords was the keynote speaker at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit, which was formed after the shooting to gather leaders dedicated to eradicating all forms of hate-fueled violence. 

“My heart goes out to the 11 lives lost in this horrible shooting, the families who mourn them, and the survivors who still live with the consequences of that day,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “My Jewish faith bolsters me in the face of tragedy, as I know it does for the whole Tree of Life community. We will not let hatred and violence win. It is far past time for our leaders to make change and protect Americans from the all-too-common reality of targeted violence.”