Community Corner

Shooting Survivor, Former Rep. Gabby Giffords Visits Newtown

The former congresswoman and survivor of tragic shooting incident to visit with Newtown families Friday.

NEWTOWN, CT -- Former U.S. Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head during an assassination attempt almost two years ago, is rumored to be stopping in Newtown Friday to meet with local officials and families affected by the tragic Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

According to a representative from Gov. Dannel Malloy’s office, local groups in Newtown organized the visit and Giffords is slated to meet privately with the families, as well as Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra.

A spokesman for Lt. Gov. Wyman confirmed that a visit was planned for Friday afternoon “at a private home with some of the families,” however Giffords is not expected to make any public appearances.

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Since the attacks in Tucson on Jan. 8, 2011, in which 19 people were shot, including Giffords, and six killed, the former Democratic congresswoman retired from politics for a time to focus on her recovery.

Giffords’ husband, Mark Kelly, who published a book entitled “Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope” in November 2011, called for gun control reform in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting.

Find out what's happening in Newtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He posted the following words on his Facebook page immediately after hearing the news:

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the entire community of Newtown, CT. I just spoke to Gabby, and she sends her prayers from Tucson.

As we mourn, we must sound a call for our leaders to stand up and do what is right. This time our response must consist of more than regret, sorrow, and condolence. The children of Sandy Hook Elementary School and all victims of gun violence deserve leaders who have the courage to participate in a meaningful discussion about our gun laws — and how they can be reformed and better enforced to prevent gun violence and death in America. This can no longer wait.


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