A US member of Congress from Arizona was shot and seriously wounded on Saturday and several people were killed by a man who opened fire at a meeting the politician was holding in Tucson. Gabrielle Giffords, a 40-year-old Democrat in her third term in the House of Representatives, was airlifted to a hospital in Tucson after being shot in the head at point-blank range at a Safeway supermarket in the Arizona city.
President Barack Obama, deploring the attack as an "unspeakable tragedy," said in a statement that "while we are continuing to receive information, we know that some have passed away, and that Representative Giffords is gravely wounded." In a brief statement issued by the White House, Obama did not say how many people had died.
Giffords was undergoing surgery. "The congresswoman is still in surgery. The others are still in surgery as well. Their conditions range from serious to critical. They are all either in surgery or coming out," University Medical Center spokeswoman Darci Slaten told Reuters. One of the victims was a 9-year-old girl, Slaten said. She did not have word of any deaths.
News reports said the suspected gunman was in custody. There was no word on his motives. Giffords was hosting a "Congress on Your Corner" event - public gatherings to give her constituents a chance to talk directly with her - when attacked from about 4 feet (1.2 metres) away, NPR said.
It said the suspect tried to run away but was tackled by a bystander. 'SENSELESS AND TERRIBLE ACT' "We do not yet have all the answers. What we do know is that such a senseless and terrible act of violence has no place in a free society. I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping Representative Giffords, the victims of this tragedy, and their families in our prayers," Obama said.
Andrea Gooden, an eyewitness who was working across the street from the event, told Fox News she heard about 15 consecutive gunshots during the shooting. House Speaker John Boehner said in statement he was horrified by the attack on 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," Boehner said. Boehner took over the top position in the House of Representatives after his Republican Party won control of the House in elections on November 2. The new Congress convened this week.
Giffords, who was re-elected in November, has focused on immigration reform, military issues, stem cell research and alternative energy while serving in Congress. She is married to US astronaut Mark Kelly. She served on the House Armed Services, Science and Technology committees. Before going to Washington, Giffords served in the Arizona Legislature from 2000 to 2005 and ran her family's tire and automotive business.
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