April 17, 2007—Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) issued the following statement in response to yesterday's shooting that tragically claimed the lives of 33 students at Virginia Tech University:

Franks said, "While we can never understand the depths of the pain or the loss that you are feeling, our prayer is that that you will find solace and refuge in the arms of a loving God, knowing that He will sustain and carry you through this difficult time. The community of a grieving nation stands with you, wishing we could help to bear your grief through these difficult hours. 

For further information regarding the ongoing community response, citizens are encouraged to visit http://www.vt.edu/tragedy/ and http://www.hokiesunited.org.vt.edu/.

 Congressman Franks is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, and is a member of the Committee on Armed Services, Strategic Forces Subcommittee, Readiness Subcommittee, Committee on the Judiciary, and is Ranking Member on the Constitution Subcommittee.