Statement by Special Agent in Charge James Turgal at Press Conference Regarding Sentencing of Jared Lee Loughner
| FBI Phoenix November 08, 2012 |
SAC James Turgal of the FBI Phoenix Division provided the following statement at the press conference regarding the sentencing of Jared Lee Loughner:
On behalf of the FBI, first, let me express my sympathy for the atrocity that occurred on January 8, 2011, for the loss and pain it left on the victim’s families who lost their loved one that day and the physical and emotional scars it left on the victims that survived.
To Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and the other injured victims, we are honored that you could be here today, we are humbled by your resilience; and your strength and courage are nothing short of remarkable.
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, and Dorwan Stoddard.
FBI Director Mueller wishes he could be here today but was able to spend some time with the victims on September 12th during a visit to the state.
Today, like every day since January 8th, 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.
On August 7th, with a guilty plea, we spoke of justice being done. Today, justice will now be served.
With a sentence imposed of seven life sentences plus 140 years, Jared Loughner will now spend the remainder of his life in prison and will never, ever, 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 Department, 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, support, and their tireless efforts in assisting the FBI in this investigation.
The FBI Phoenix Division dedicated resources from Arizona and across the country to this case to include over 200 Phoenix personnel. I would like to thank them for their dedication during the hours, weeks, and months following this horrific crime and their leadership in piecing together this investigation.
The events of January 8th affected all of us; not only the citizens of Arizona, but it touched the nation as a whole.
Seeing the news coverage of the recent shootings in Colorado and Wisconsin wasn’t easy for any of us to see, but please know that we in the FBI are doing everything we can to ensure incidents such as those, and the tragedy you suffered through, do not happen again.
We know that lone offenders’ violent intentions can only be prevented by strong intelligence, information sharing by law enforcement at every level and vigilant citizens.
We hope that today’s sentencing 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 work harder every day to make our communities safer.
The tragedy on January 8th may be a part of our history, but it will not define our destiny.