Hotop expressed his sentiments to the family of Gabe Zimmerman, a constituent staffer for Giffords who was killed in the attack and also commended the professional staff and interns who helped to save lives during the event.Hotop called the shooting a "dark day" for America's political discourse and echoed national calls for respect and cooperation in solving the complex issues facing our nation today.
Giffords, who is an Air Force wife and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, remains in critical condition at Arizona University Medical Center, but CNN reports she is now breathing on her own and doctors remain hopeful for recovery.