U.S. Congresswoman Giffords shot in Tucson

By Curtis Prendergast, Anissa Tanweer and Brian Mori

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Tucson– U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords survived a shooting today at a local grocery store.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has emerged from brain surgery in critical condition following a shooting earlier today at a Safeway grocery store in northwest Tucson.  She suffered a single bullet wound to the head that passed through her brain.

A team of neurosurgeons operated on Giffords at University Medical Center in Tucson.  Dr. Peter Rhee, medical director of UMC’s Trauma program, said that he is optimistic about Gifford’s chances for recovery and that the Congresswoman has used her hands to respond to commands.

“I’m about as optimistic as I can get in this situation,” said Rhees.

Ten victims of the shooting were brought to UMC, one of whom has died.  That victim was a young girl that Rhee estimated to be approximately 9 years old. He reported that five patients were in critical condition and five patients were in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

Tucson Police Chief Clarence Dupnik said that the Sheriff’s Department has “one subject in custody,” but would not elaborate.

A press conference will be held at 6 p.m. today, in which the Pima County Sheriff’s Department will provide more details on the criminal investigation into the shooting.

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Follow this link to read the federal complaint against Jared Lee Loughner, the suspected shooter in Saturday’s killings.

Follow this link to read a report on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords medical condition as of Saturday.

Follow this link to watch a video of the press conference at the University Medical Center regarding the medical condition of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Follow this link to read a report on Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik’s comments on the shooting and the shooter.

Follow this link to read a report on the basic facts of Saturday’s shooting.