The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona issued a statement in honor of Chief Judge John M. Roll, 63, who was shot and killed on Saturday in Tucson in a mass shooting that killed six and wounded 12 including Democratic Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
The following is the statement:
“The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona has suffered a grievous loss today with the untimely death of Chief Judge John M. Roll, who was shot and killed when a gunman opened fire on a crowd at an event hosted by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona.”
“Judge Roll was appointed to the federal bench in 1991, and served as chief judge of the district since 2006. The devoted husband, father of three, grandfather of five, and friend to all who knew him, will be greatly missed by his family and community.”
“He was a warm, compassionate judge and inspirational leader in what is one of the busiest districts in the country. His death will leave a significant void in the District of Arizona and the entire federal judiciary, and we are all deeply saddened.”
Roll Had Received Death Threats in 2009 (Arizona Republic)
ABOUT THE SHOOTER
UPDATED: Sunday, 3 p.m. : FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III said at a press conference that he doesn’t believe a second person wanted for questioning is directly involved in the shooting.
“It was an attack not only against dedicated public servants but against citizens, one being a child,” Mueller said. “This was an attack on our institutions and an attack on our way of life.” CNN, citing sources, said the man has been interviewed and authorities have determined that he has nothing to do with this case.
UPDATED: Sunday 6:14 p.m. The FBI announced that charges have been filed against the shooter and the second person they were looking for is no longer a person of interest.
