Statement by Special Agent in Charge James Turgal at Press Conference Regarding Guilty Plea of Jared Lee Loughner

First, let me express my sympathy for the atrocity that occurred on January 8, 2011 and the terrible effect it had on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the other injured victims; and my sincere condolences for the families and friends of The Honorable Judge John Roll, Congressional Aide Gabriel Zimmerman, Christina-Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and the other victims of this horrific and senseless tragedy.

As FBI Director Mueller indicated, this was an attack not only against dedicated public servants, but against our fellow citizens—one being a child who was excited just to learn more about how our government works at the Congress on Your Corner event—and other members of the community who were meeting with their elected officials for the first time or who were simply running errands on a Saturday. This was an attack on our democratic institutions, the sacrifices our public servants endure every day to make this country a better place to live, and our way of life.

Today, we remember the victims and their families forever affected by the violent acts that occurred on that day, as well as those in the Tucson community who were greatly affected by this senseless tragedy.

Today, justice was done. With the change of his plea, Jared Loughner will now spend the remainder of his life in prison and will never be able to harm the Tucson community or any community ever again.

I would like to thank Sheriff Clarence Dupnik and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, Judge Leonardo and the United States Attorney’s Office, United States Marshal David Gonzales, and all my partners of the other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who dedicated their resources and support and for their tireless efforts in assisting the FBI in this investigation.

The FBI Phoenix Division dedicated every available resource to this case to include over 200 Phoenix personnel, the Critical Incident Response Group, the FBI Laboratory for reconstructing the crime scene, the FBI Phoenix Computer Forensic and Evidence Response Teams, and the FBI’s Victim Specialists.

I would like to specifically recognize Special Agents Tony Taylor and Alan Misiaszek—co-case agents on this investigation—Retired Supervisory Special Agent Robin Andrews, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Annette Bartlett, and Former Special Agent in Charge Nate Gray for their dedication during the hours, weeks, and months following this horrific crime and their leadership in piecing together this investigation and making certain that every person was interviewed, every question was asked and answered, and the investigation was complete.

The events of January 8 affected all of us—not only the citizens of Arizona, but touched the nation as a whole. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims and their families and we hope that today’s plea agreement and ultimate resolution of this case will assist in the continuation of the healing process for our community, bring honor to those who have fallen, and help all of us who live in this community to never forget, but to move forward.

- Press release: Jared Lee Loughner Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Tucson Shooting