Saturday, 8 January 2011

U.S. Congresswoman Giffords critically injured in Arizona mass shooting

Gabrielle GiffordsU.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was seriously injured on Saturday when a gunman opened fire at a public event in Tucson, Arizona, officials said. Several others were killed and injured.

The shooting happened just after 10 a.m. MST at a supermarket in northwest Tucson where Giffords was hosting her first "Congress on Your Corner" of the year. "My 1st Congress on Your Corner starts now," Giffords tweeted just before the shooting. "Please stop by to let me know what is on your mind or tweet me later."

According to local officials, a 21-year-old gunman walked up to Giffords and shot her in the head, seriously injuring her. The gunman, who was later arrested, also shot numerous other people.


According to Darci Slaten, a spokeswoman for University Medical Center, Giffords was critically injured and was undergoing surgery. She said at least nine other people were injured.

Giffords, who is considered a member of the Blue Dog Democrats, was first sworn into office in 2007. She was re-elected to a third-term this past November.

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