Around noon CT yesterday, a gunman opened fire using a 9-mm pistol on an event hosted by Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D AZ-8) outside a Tucson area grocery store. Ms. Giffords suffered a bullet wound that is described that went through and through her skull and brain. Despite the severity of the injury, Neurosurgeon Doctor Peter Rhee from the University Medical Center in Tucson expressed optimism about her recovery.
The latest condition on Ms. Giffords is that she is awake in her room and recognized her husband, CAPT Mark Kelly, a Navy astronaut before returning to unconsciousness. Sources at the Tucson hospital are stating that her condition is critical.
The attempted assassination of the Congresswoman left six victims murdered and twelve others wounded. Among the murdered was a 9-year-old girl from a local elementary school; Judge John M. Roll, the chief judge for the United States District Court for Arizona; and Gabe Zimmerman, Ms. Gifford’s director of community outreach.
Jared Lee Loughner, 22, was identified as the gunman and is currently in the custody of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Given the events of Saturday, Republican Leader Eric Cantor has said that all legislative action "is being postponed so that we can take whatever actions may be necessary in light of today's tragedy." Capitol Police is urging members of Congress to take necessary procedures to review their security policies.
Statements from the following public figures concerning this incident:
More updates as events continue to develop and a comment to follow.
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