A man ran up to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords while she was talking to a couple, and starting firing a gun at point blank range. Giffords is reported to have been shot in the head at a public event at a Safeway grocery store on the northwest side of Tucson. The shooting occurred shortly after 10:00 a.m. MST.
There is early report that at least 12 people were shot. Giffords was transported to University Medical Center, 1501 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona. Three aids to the representative, that are described as Arizona-based staff, have been shot. Other victims (12-15) have been transported to Northwest Medical Center, 6200 N La Cholla Boulevard, Tucson, AZ.
A witness reported hearing 15 shots fired.
The gunman is in custody after being tackled by a bystander.
Gabrielle Giffords (born June 8, 1970) is the U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 8th congressional district. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
She is the only member of the U.S. Congress whose spouse, astronaut Mark E. Kelly, is an active duty member of the U.S. military.
Giffords is known as a strong proponent of solar energy as well as for her work to secure the border with Mexico