Message from Simonetta Di Pippo on the tragedy in Arizona

"We all are shocked to hear about the terrible act of violence in Tucson, Arizona where 6 people died and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot while holding a public event.

I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims as well as my best wishes of recovery to Ms. Giffords, a brilliant individual, an engaged woman and a member of the space family. My heart and thoughts are with her and her husband Capt. Mark Kelly as well as with all those affected by this tragedy. With great sadness I observed a minute of silence today while in the US, joining the Nation to mourn the victims in a gesture of reflection and solidarity."