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
