The Eagle-Tribune has posted these comments from Congresswoman Niki Tsongas – a close colleague of Congreswoman Gabrielle Giffords:

Massachusetts Congresswoman Niki Tsongas issued a statement just moments ago on the shooting of her colleague, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords this morning.

In the statement, Tsongas said it was with “great sadness and shock” that she learned of the “senseless attack” against Giffords. She called Giffords “a wonderful, caring, and dedicated colleague and friend whom I have the pleasure of serving with on the Armed Services Committee.”

Tsongas said she sat next to Giffords just yesterday and talked during a Democratic Steering Committee meeting.

“My thoughts are with Gabby and her husband and all of those who are fighting for their lives at this hour and with the families who lost loved ones as a result of this horrible tragedy,” Tsongas said.