Gabby Giffords remembers Tree of Life tragedy

WASHINGTON —    GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement remembering the mass shooting that took place eight years ago at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Eleven people were killed and 6 more were injured in the shooting.

“My heart is with the 11 people killed at the Tree of Life synagogue eight years ago today. They should still be here with their families and with their congregation. Everyone deserves the right to worship in peace and safety, and everyone deserves to be protected from violent prejudice. In remembering these hard moments, I am prouder than ever of my Jewish faith — I know that our community is strong, and will continue to stand together against hate,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “Our leaders have a pressing responsibility to work to end gun violence. Pennsylvania has made gains in gun safety laws in recent years, yet there is still more critical to do to save lives in the Keystone State.”

Pennsylvania has a B on GIFFORDS’ Annual Gun Law Scorecard. In an average year, 1,806 people die from gun violence in the state.