Tucson Marks Fourth Anniversary Of Deadly Shooting
It has been four years since a shooting in Tucson left six people dead and several others injured, including former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Thursday there were several bell-ringing ceremonies held in the city to commemorate the anniversary.
Six bells rang out starting at 10:10 a.m. to pay respect to the people who were killed in the shooting, then another 13 bells for those injured. Then several moments of silence from the small crowd gathered in front of a fire department in downtown Tucson.
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild connected the shooting in his city to Wednesday’s attack at the office of a satirical magazine in Paris. He said both were affronts to democracy.
"As mayor, I want our community to always remember to be respectful, civil, but also diligent in protecting all of our rights," Rothschild said.
Giffords was holding a community forum when the shooting rampage took place. She was shot in the head and continues to deal with her recovery. Since resigning from office, she started a political action commitee with her husband that advocates for stricter gun laws.
Rothschild said the city has made progress since the shooting, but that more resources need to be dedicated to mental health services as well as to local law enforcement and first responders. The mayor said the way the community came together, and continues to support one another, brings him solace.
