US congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords shot in Arizona
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Footage of the scene of the shooting in Tucson, Arizona
A US congresswoman and nine other people have been shot at a public event in southern Arizona.
Democratic Representative Gabrielle Giffords is in a critical condition following the attack, in which a child was killed.
Ms Giffords, 40, was shot in the head at close range in front of hundreds of people meeting constituents in Tucson.
A man was arrested after the shooting, in which nine other people were injured - four of them critically.
A doctor at the hospital where Ms Giffords is being treated told reporters he was "very optimistic about her recovery".
Gabrielle Giffords: Regarded as a rising star in the Democratic PartyAsked about reports that a federal judge was among those shot, a local law enforcement official confirmed that a federal employee had been "very seriously injured".
President Barack Obama has described the events in Tucson as "an unspeakable tragedy".
'Senseless'Ms Giffords, 40, who represents the eighth district of Arizona in the US House of Representatives, is married to space shuttle astronaut Mark Kelly.
She has served on several congressional committees, including those covering the armed services and foreign affairs.
Jeff Rogers, chairman of the local Democrats, said Ms Giffords was "a rising star" in the party with hopes of eventually winning the Arizona Senate seat.
"That is terrible news," he told BBC News, describing her as "a wonderful congresswoman and a wonderful person".
He added: "We just can't continue to have this kind of carnage on school campuses and against public officials."
In a statement issued by the White House, President Obama said: "This morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tucson, Arizona, at a constituent meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
"And while we are continuing to receive information, we know that... Representative Giffords is gravely wounded.
"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."
The Speaker of the House or Representatives, John Boehner, said: "I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle 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."
8.1.2011
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“CONGRESS ON YOUR CORNER” OF THE YEAR
ON SATURDAY
TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will host her first “Congress on Your Corner” of the year on Saturday, Jan. 8 at a supermarket in northwest Tucson.
“Congress on Your Corner” allows residents of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District to meet their congresswoman one-on-one and discuss with her any issue, concern or problem involving the federal government.
Giffords has hosted numerous “Congress on Your Corner” events since taking office in January 2007. As in the past, the congresswoman’s staff will be available to assist constituents.
Previous “Congress on Your Corner” events in Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Sierra Vista, and Douglas have attracted between 75 and 150 people.
For the media, “Congress on Your Corner” is an excellent opportunity to view the congresswoman interacting with constituents or ask questions about any topic.
This Saturday’s “Congress Your Corner” comes at the conclusion of the first week of the 112th Congress. Giffords took the oath of office for a third term on Wednesday and on Thursday she participated in a reading of the U.S. Constitution on the floor of the House.
Among the congresswoman’s first official acts this week was a vote for Speaker of the House and theintroduction of legislation to cut congressional salaries by 5 percent. Giffords was interviewed about her bill this morning on Fox news.
WHAT: “Congress on Your Corner” with U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
WHEN: 10-11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2011
WHERE: Safeway, 7110 N. Oracle Road (southeast corner of Oracle and Ina)
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