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Arizona Congresswoman in critical condition after assassination attempt

BY TIMOTHY W. SHIRER
          PUBLISHER
Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was among 12 people wounded and six others were killed when a gunman attempted to assassinate the congresswoman in a grocery store in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday shortly after 10 am MST.

U.S. Capitol Police have said the suspect is in custody but would not Identify the shooter. Giffords was in Tucson for a constituent meeting at the grocery store when the shooting occurred.

Gifford was shot in the head there is no indication at this point how many bullets struck the congresswoman. An aide for the congresswoman has reported that the Giffords is out of surgery and is in critical condition at University Medical Center in Tucson.

Early reports say that among the six dead are an aide for the congresswoman and a U.S. District Judge John Rolle and four civilians attending the meeting.

Giffords, 40 had just begun her third term in congress. She was elected in 2006 to represent Arizona and was re-elected in November in a closely contested race over a Tea Party Candidate. She is married to astronaut Captain Mark Kelly.

President Obama said of the shooting, “Unspeakable tragedy.” House speaker John Boehner said the was “horrified” by the shooting. “An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve” Boehner went on to say.

Giffords was one of three legislators to report violence on their office after the health care vote last march.

At this time the police said they have no motive for the shooting and are still investigating.
E-mail Tim at: tshirer@lakecounty-sentinel.com
POSTED 01/08/2011   17:01    UPDATED 17:17