Gabby Giffords

Gabby Giffords, According to reports from Tucson, Arizona, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was shot outside a grocery store today, while organizing a public event. NPR reports that the congressman was shot in the head. The Sheriff’s Office Pima County is quoted, as saying that the representative of 40-years for a third term has died from her injuries, although conflicting reports that it is surgery. NPR:

Giffords, who was reelected for a third term in November, hosted its first “Congress on your corner” event northwest of Tucson Safeway when a gunman ran and started shooting.

No fewer than nine other persons, including staff Giffords, were injured in the shooting.

Giffords was transported to a hospital in Tucson, but so far, her condition remains unknown. Passersby were able to control the gunman who tried to flee the scene.

As to the identity of the shooter, site Gawker reports:

The shooter was young, mid 20s at the end, white, clean shaven with short hair and wore dark clothes and said nothing during the shooting or while being held down, but he struggled at first. It does not look like a businessman, but more of a “marginal.”

Gabrielle Giffords

Gabrielle Giffords, (AP) – Congressional leaders said Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head while responding to his constituents in the area of Tucson.

These officials say as little as four and as many a dozen people were injured in the attack, including members of the staff member Democrat. An official said one of the victims died.

The severity of injuries to others is not immediately known.

The officials spoke only on condition of anonymity, saying they were not allowed to do so on the record.

Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.