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Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head at point-blank range today outside a Tucson, Ariz., grocery store where she was holding a public event, law enforcement sources told ABC News.

Giffords, 40, was among as many as 12 people reportedly wounded in the shooting, and according to Congressional sources, several people on the Democrat's staff were among the wounded.
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Another terrible and senseless act of violence

Most recent reports are that the congresswoman will survive; there are, however, five dead including a 9-year-old child. From an AP report on Yahoo News:

TUCSON, Ariz. – Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was shot in the head Saturday when an assailant opened fire outside a grocery store during a meeting with constituents, killing at least five people and wounding several others in a rampage that rattled the nation.

Giffords was among at least 10 people wounded, and the hospital said her outlook was "optimistic" and that she was responding to commands from doctors despite having a bullet go through her head. The hospital said a 9-year-old child was among the dead, and a U.S. Marshal said a federal judge was also fatally shot in the attack.

(as an aside, I'm sure the first joke about a politician being shot in the head and surviving has already hit the 'net)

Although it should be noted that this has not yet been confirmed by any official source, reports further tentatively identify the suspect as Jared Loughner, age 22. The name was obtained from sources requesting anonymity since they were not authorized to release that information, which leads me to ask:
IF YOU'RE NOT AUTHORIZED TO RELEASE INFORMATION, THEN WHYINTHEHELL ARE YOU RELEASING ANYTHING — ANONYMOUSLY OR OTHERWISE???
Look what happened in Atlanta with the Olympic Park bombing back in 1996. One person died and someone's name got tossed out there as the culprit — incorrectly, as it turned out — but from then on, so far as the public and the media were concerned, the man was guilty with a capital G.

Granted, this is different in that they probably grabbed the guy with the smoking gun still in his hand, but still.....

-"BB"-

The whole damn world's gone crazy.....

Prayers for everyone involved.

Just heard she came out of surgery and is able to follow commands......

Also heard them describing the shooter as a "disturbed young man" with a history...........ya think?

A very upsetting event.

My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have been killed and injured.

Christina Greene, born 9-11-2001, died 1-8-2011.
Rest in Peace, princess.

bravedave wrote:Christina Greene, born 9-11-2001, died 1-7-2011.
Rest in Peace, princess.

For those Phillies fans out there...she is the granddaughter of Dallas Greene, manager of the '80s world series team. He is still with the Phillies as an advisor....sad day in Philly also....

many prayers going out to all the victims and families!

MammaBear wrote:

bravedave wrote:Christina Greene, born 9-11-2001, died 1-7-2011.
Rest in Peace, princess.

For those Phillies fans out there...she is the granddaughter of Dallas Greene, manager of the '80s world series team. He is still with the Phillies as an advisor....sad day in Philly also....

Its a sad day for America in general.

Prayers for all involved.

ejr wrote:Another terrible and senseless act of violence

Without wanting to sound flip...when is violence *not* terrible and senseless?

Truly a sad occurrence.