Saturday, January 8, 2011

Rep. Giffords critically injured in shooting


U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), wife of astronaut Mike Kelly and mother of two, is sworn into the 112th Congress, Wednesday, by newly-elected Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH). Rep. Giffords was shot point blank during a public event in Tucson Arizona and critically injured, Saturday January 8. Just out of extensive neurosurgery, her prognosis is "optimistic." Eighteen people were injured in the attack. Among those confirmed dead is a nine-year-old girl and federal Judge John M. Roll.

Jared Loughner (b. 1988) has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Irresponsible rumors, including deliberate disinformation, about possible political motives for the shooting are flying back and forth, but one friend and fellow "former band member" Caitie Parker of Ohio Valley in Arizona describes the alleged shooter as "reclusive" since alcohol poisoning in 2007.

She described his politics as "definitely left wing," though most sources demonstrate the assailant to be mentally ill.

2 comments:

George Myers said...

Just an edit: should be "sworn" in not "sword" in unless its a hack that I see from my site. Terrible tragedy. My condolences.

Joel Raupe said...

Thanks, George. Nasty business, but more than a few heroes, too, and some amazing medical miracles.