Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the target of today’s shooting in Arizona, is alive.. Reports in the confusing aftermath of the violence at the Safeway store where the Representative was having her public event said she was dead. Reports later gave official word that while she was shot in her head, she was alive.. Doctors have publicly stated they are hopeful her condition will continue to improve.
The situation was much worse for six others who are dead tonight, including a federal judge and a 9-year-old girl who was born on September 11, 2001..
Police are urging Congress members to take safety precautions in the aftermath of the violence..
The gunman was ID’d today as Jared Loughner.. he is 22, was in the military, and has a history of web-presence. His online vidoes and Myspace ramblings are sure to be looked at closely by authorities as they investigate the madness in Tuscon today. Not only were his words rambling, but he appeared to be obsessed with mind control..
As for the 22-year-old killer, he said he acted alone and authorities, not believing him, are looking further into leads and other possible suspects tonight .. The intentions of why he killed are still developing. Reports in the aftermath said that the shooter, Loughner, shouted ‘damn Democrats’ as bullets fired.. other reports that another person in the crowd shot back at Loughner .. Arizona is an open carry state.
And politics, without question, is now playing a role in the shooting and the aftermath. NPR reporting tonight that some are wondering if political banter played a role in the violence. It seems to the age-old question.. how much talk is too much talk and how many people are adversely affected by rage over political beliefs.
The federal judge killed today was appointed by President Bush. The Congresswoman targeted was a Democrat..
Let the debate begin. But let the crime also be punished.
And prayers are abundant tonight for the survival of Congresswoman Giffords. Prayers as well for those injured, and those killed..
The nation shocked.
xxx
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The events of the day, summed up in the best way I can do it
This just made chills run up my spine..
Christina Greene, the 9-year-old killed today in Arizona, was born on one of the most important days in our nation’s history:
Born on September 11, 2001, Greene was excited about the political process
The persons dead tonight are gone from earth, and their families now are left to grapple with the aftermath of madness.. But I cannot stop thinking about the significance, in some strange way, of a product of 9/11 being killed during an act of domestic rage..
Of all the events today from Arizona, this is the most tragic in my mind..
9-year-old victim of deadly rampage identified | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona
The identity of the 9-year-old tragically killed in this morning’s deadly rampage is Christina Taylor Greene. Family says she was vibrant, excited about life, and she was the “best daughter in the world.”
NPR, Reuters, CNN and other major news orgs incorrectly declare death of Rep. Giffords
And lots of blogs, websites, and other news outlets picked it up ..
Mistakes happen. But this was a major massive huge blunder..
NPR, Reuters, CNN and other major news orgs incorrectly declare death of Rep. Giffords
Meanwhile in New York City..
Portuguese TV star slain, castrated at NYC hotel
A celebrity Portuguese television journalist was found castrated and bludgeoned to death in a New York City hotel, and his companion, a male model who had recently been a contestant on a Portuguese reality TV show, was in police custody Saturday
Jared Loughner was obsessed with mind control
Was in the military..
Appears to have rambling incoherent thoughts..
Various political beliefs..
Jared Loughner was obsessed with mind control
xxx Earlier reports were wrong xxx
Rep. Giffords is out of surgery and in critical condition with a single gunshot wound to the head, hospital says.
xxx Earlier reports were wrong xxx
Rep. Giffords is out of surgery and in critical condition with a single gunshot wound to the head, hospital says.
KGUN REPORTING ONE UNINJURED SHOOTER IN CUSTODY..
So far no one else appears to be involved in Congressman Giffords’ assassination..
MUST READ: Eyewitness report of Gifford assassination
Adrian Chen at Gawker:
The event was very informal: Gifford had set up a table outside the Safeway and about 20-30 people were gathered to talk to her. The gunman, who may have come from inside the Safeway, walked up and shot Gifford in the head first. According to Rayle, who is a former ER doctor, Gifford was able to move her hands after being shot.
After shooting Gifford, the gunman opened fire indiscriminately for a few seconds, hitting a number of people, including a kid no older than 10 years old. Rayle hid behind a concrete pole and pretended to be dead. When the gunman apparently ran out of ammunition he attempted to flee, but a member of Gifford’s staff tackled him. The Rayle helped hold him down while waiting for the sheriff to arrive, about 15-or 20 minutes later. 30 minutes later the EMS came. Rayle said he was “stunned” by how long it took medical help to arrive.
The man was young, mid-to-late 20s, white clean-shaven with short hair and wearing dark clothing and said nothing during the shooting or while being held down. He didn’t look like a businessman, but more of a “fringe character,” our source said.
MUST READ: Eyewitness report of Gifford assassination