Senior politicians around the world paid tribute to Cox and expressed shock at her death . United States President Barack Obama telephoned Cox 's husband to offer condolences on behalf of the American people , and invited the family to meet him at the White House . The meeting took place in September after Brendan Cox attended a refugee summit in New York . Former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona , who was seriously injured in a shooting in 2011 , stated she was " absolutely sickened to hear of the assassination of Jo Cox . She was young , courageous , and hardworking . A rising star , mother , and wife . " Several European leaders expressed their shock at the news , among them German Chancellor Angela Merkel , who described the attack as " terrible " and called for a moderation of language to counter radicalisation and to foster respect . Overseas politicians who knew Cox personally included New Zealand Labour MP Phil Twyford , who said , " Jo will be sorely missed by her family , her friends , UK politics and the international Labour movement "
shooting in 2011
2011 Tucson shooting
Murder of Jo Cox