Station astronauts, left to right, Catherine Coleman, Alexander Kaleri, Scott Kelly (top), Dmitry Kondratyev (bottom), Oleg Skripochka and Paulo Nespoli
Commander Scott Kelly led a solemn observance aboard the International Space Station on Monday for those where were killed and wounded on Saturday during a shooting rampage at a political rally in Tucson, Arizona.
Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the wife of Kelly’s twin brother and fellow NASA astronaut, Mark Kelly, was among those critically injured by the gun fire.
Kelly was joined in a moment of silence by fellow station crew members Catherine Coleman, also of NASA; Paulo Nespoli of the European Space Agency; and three Russians, Dmitry Kondratyev, Alexander Kaleri and Oleg Skripochka.
Monday’s space station observance coincided with the National Moment of Silence called for by President Barack Obama at 11 a.m., EST.
Scott Kelly led the observance with a statement:
We have a unique vantage point here aboard the International Space Station. As I look out the window, I see a very beautiful planet that seems very inviting and peaceful.
Unfortunately, it is not.
These days, we are constantly reminded of the unspeakable acts of violence and damage we can inflict upon one another. Not just with our actions, but also with our irresponsible words.
We are better than this.
We must do better.
The crew of the International Space Station and the flight control centers around the world would like to observe a moment of silence in honor of all the victims, which include my sister-in-law, Gabrielle Giffords, a caring and dedicated public servant.
Early Monday, Mark Kelly, husband of Gabrielle Giffords, also issued a statement from Tucson, where he joined his wife on Saturday The 40-year-old legislator remained hospitalized in critical condition on Monday, following surgery for head injuries.
Mark Kelly’s statement:
On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most hearing from her constituents when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.
Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby’s team, Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly yesterday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.
“Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson’s Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross.”
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued a statement on behalf of the space agency late Saturday expressing sympathy and support for Giffords and the others who were wounded or killed by gunfire during the Tucson rally.
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Here’s Bolden’s statement in full:
We at NASA are deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless shooting of Representative Giffords and others at Saturday’s public event in Tucson. As a long-time supporter of NASA, Representative Giffords not only has made lasting contributions to our country, but is a strong advocate for the nation’s space program and a member of the NASA family. She also is a personal friend with whom I have had the great honor of working. We at NASA mourn this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to Congresswoman Giffords, her husband Mark Kelly, their family, and the families and friends of all who perished or were injured in this terrible tragedy.