Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama signed legislation Thursday naming a new federal courthouse in Yuma, Arizona, after slain federal Judge John M. Roll.
The 63-year old judge was gunned down in Tucson, Arizona, along with five others last month while he attended an event hosted by his friend U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded in the attack. She is undergoing rehabilitation in Houston, Texas.
"Judge Roll lost his life trying to protect another. His act of courage will always be remembered," U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Arizona, said on the House floor last week. "His outstanding character will never be forgotten."
The resolution was introduced by Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl, both of Arizona. Roll was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 and rose to become the state's chief federal judge in 2006.
The new courthouse, still under construction, is expected to open in a few years. The current courthouse is considered too small.
A 22-year-old suspect, Jared Loughner, faces federal charges in the shootings.
CNN's Eric Fiegel contributed to this report.
