vitriol

Arizona Shooting: Sheriff Says On-Air Vitriol 'Has Consequences'

Sheriff suggests radio, TV vitriol could have been factor in Arizona killing spree Saturday

In an emotional press conference carried by major news organizations Saturday, Pima County, Ariz., sheriff Clarence Dupnik suggested to a national audience that radio and TV vitriol could have been a factor in the killing spree in Arizona Saturday that left a congresswoman gravely injured, a federal judge and five others dead, and more than a dozen more wounded.

He spoke of "all the vitriol we hear inflaming the American public by people who make a living off of doing that. That may be free speech," Dupnik said, but that vitriol and political rhetoric "is not without consequence."

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) had her office windows broken after her vote in March in favor of healthcare reform. At press time doctors were optimistic she would survive, despite being shot in the head at close range.

Dupnik, who identified himself as a friend of the murdered judge as well as Giffords', said unbalanced people respond to such vitriol, and that Arizona had become a mecca for prejudice and bigotry.

When asked by a reporter how they know that was a cause, he conceded: "You don't."

According to authorities, a total of 19 people were shot by a 22-year-old gunman who authorities also said was targeting Giffords at a Saturday meet-and-greet outside a Tucson Safeway. A second suspect was also being sought who may have been involved in the shootings, Dupnik said.

Congress canceled all votes for next week in the wake of the shooting, according to CNN. "I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff," said House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).  "An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. "

"I want to assure the people of Arizona and every American that we will hold accountable anyone responsible for these heinous acts," said Attorney General Eric Holder in a statement late Saturday.

As part of its coverage, Fox aired some tape of an interview with Giffords it had conducted only the day before.