Dear John,

This weekend, we witnessed an assassination attempt on the former president of the United States. One person in the crowd was killed and two others critically wounded.

Political violence is un-American and never, ever acceptable.

And it’s terrifying—I know. Thirteen years ago, I was a congresswoman from Arizona, hosting an event to meet with my constituents outside of a Safeway in Tucson. A gunman, filled with hatred, tried to assassinate me. Eighteen people were shot, and six died. Our lives changed forever, and I vowed to save others from experiencing what my family—and Tucson—did that day. 

No other elected official or candidate for public office should have to worry about being shot while doing their job. Nobody should be worried about gunshots ringing through the crowd—whether it’s a rally, or an event outside a supermarket.

We must unequivocally condemn political violence and continue our work for a safer future.

Thank you for standing with me,
Gabby Giffords