(BrightPress.org) – Former Rep. Gabby Giffords survived a 2011 assassination attempt and was quick to respond to the apparent attack on former President Donald Trump. Giffords expressed her support and condemned political violence.
Giffords was shot in the head outside a Safeway in Casas Adobes, Arizona, during a constituent event in 2011. The mass shooting resulted in six deaths. Giffords resigned from Congress afterward and continues to deal with the long-term effects of her injuries.
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, were quick to denounce political violence following the news of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.
Television footage captured Trump bleeding from his right ear after the gunfire. U.S. Secret Service agents quickly whisked him away as he pumped his fist and seemed to mouth “fight” to his supporters, who were screaming and shrieking in fear amid the chaos.
The gunman, who was at an elevated position outside the rally venue, was killed by U.S. Secret Service personnel. He was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
One spectator was reported killed and two were critically injured.
It was only natural for Giffords and Kelly to comment. Their lives were shattered by a shooting at a political event 13 years ago in Arizona. Giffords survived with a serious brain injury that limited her speech. Since then, both have worked to promote what they call sensible gun safety regulation.
That shooting, also on a Saturday, killed six, including an 8-year-old girl and a federal judge, and wounded 18, plus Giffords.
On Jan. 8, 2011, a few minutes after 10 a.m., a gunman walked up to a “Congress on Your Corner” event in front of the Safeway at La Toscana Village mall, north of town. Well-wishers and constituents waited to meet Giffords, admired for her bipartisan approach and bravery.
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