Updated on
Summary
Gabrielle Giffords, a Democratic congresswoman, has been shot in the head at point blank range by a gunman who opened fire on a public meeting that she was holding in Tucson, Arizona today.At least 11 others including some of her staff members were reported to have been injured, some seriously, and there were reports that between four and six people had died including a Federal Judge. There were conflicting reports over whether Miss Giffords had herself been killed.Miss Giffords, 40, who is married to astronaut Mark Kelly, was talking to a couple outside a Safeway grocery store when the attacker ran up and opened fire indiscriminately.Andrea Gooden, an eyewitness who was working across the road from the scene, said: I heard about 15 shots. Then there were people racing across the parking lot. She said there were many sheriffs and firefighters on the scene within minutes.A respected US website reported another eye-witness, Steven Rayle, who was on the scene at the time of the shooting and helped to hold the suspect down while waiting for police. He told The event was very informal: Giffords had set up a table outside the Safeway and about 20-30 people were gathered to talk to her. The gunman, who may have come from inside the Safeway, walked up and shot Giffords in the head first.According to Mr Rayle, who is a former Accident and Emergency doctor, Giffords was able to move her hands after being shot.US President Barack Obama strongly condemned the incident adding that the reason why that person shot at Gabriella is unknown.I've spoken to Arizona Gov Jan Brewer and offered the full resources of the federal government, Obama said Saturday after the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona. He call the attack, a tragedy for Arizona and tragedy for our entire country. He assured the nation that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. Obama also announced he sent FBI Director Bob Mueller to Arizona to assist with the investigation.
