US congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords shot in Arizona
Gabrielle Giffords Gabrielle Giffords was regarded as a rising star in the Democratic Party
A US congresswoman and several other people have been shot at a public event in southern Arizona.
Gabrielle Giffords, a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives, was shot in the head at close range in front of hundreds of people.
A spokeswoman denied earlier reports that she had died and told ABC News she was in surgery.
A man was arrested after the shooting at a supermarket in Tucson where Ms Giffords was meeting constituents.
Members of her staff were among up to 12 other people who were also shot. Reports say one of her aides has died.
Ms Giffords, 40, who represents the eighth district of Arizona in the House, is married to space shuttle astronaut Mark Kelly.
She has served on several congressional committees, including those covering the armed services and foreign affairs.
Jeff Rogers, chairman of the local Democrats, said Ms Giffords was "a rising star" in the party with hopes of eventually winning the Arizona Senate seat.
"That is terrible news," he told BBC News, describing her as "a wonderful congresswoman and a wonderful person".
He added: "We just can't continue to have this kind of carnage on school campuses and against public officials."
The Speaker of the House of the House or Representatives, John Boehner, said: "I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff.
"An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country."
*****
Seems like Sarah Palin had 'targeted' her:
Gabrielle Giffords Gabrielle Giffords was regarded as a rising star in the Democratic Party
A US congresswoman and several other people have been shot at a public event in southern Arizona.
Gabrielle Giffords, a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives, was shot in the head at close range in front of hundreds of people.
A spokeswoman denied earlier reports that she had died and told ABC News she was in surgery.
A man was arrested after the shooting at a supermarket in Tucson where Ms Giffords was meeting constituents.
Members of her staff were among up to 12 other people who were also shot. Reports say one of her aides has died.
Ms Giffords, 40, who represents the eighth district of Arizona in the House, is married to space shuttle astronaut Mark Kelly.
She has served on several congressional committees, including those covering the armed services and foreign affairs.
Jeff Rogers, chairman of the local Democrats, said Ms Giffords was "a rising star" in the party with hopes of eventually winning the Arizona Senate seat.
"That is terrible news," he told BBC News, describing her as "a wonderful congresswoman and a wonderful person".
He added: "We just can't continue to have this kind of carnage on school campuses and against public officials."
The Speaker of the House of the House or Representatives, John Boehner, said: "I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff.
"An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve. Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society. Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families. This is a sad day for our country."
*****
Seems like Sarah Palin had 'targeted' her:
