U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was shot in the head during a public event in Tucson this morning. The Pima County sheriff told MSNBC Giffords is still alive but in very critical condition. A friend told the network the congresswoman was in surgery.
Giffords was holding an event outside a grocery store when a man ran up and started shooting, witnnesses said. The sheriff told MSNBC five people were killed and six were wounded, including some members of her staff. One witness says three bodies are covered with sheets outside the Safeway store.
The sheriff said the gunman has been captured.
Giffords has represented Arizona's 8th Congressional district since 2007 and is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition of conservative Democrats. She narrowly defeated tea party-backed Republican Jesse Kelly to win a third House term in November.
Giffords' congressional office in Tucson was vandalized in March after she voted in favor of the health care reform bill. Sarah Palin included Giffords on a list of Democratic candidates who should be defeated in the midterm elections because of their support for the health care overhaul.
"We are just devastated. This community is devastated," Sylvia Lee, a friend of Giffords', said on CNN. "No matter what side of the political realm you're on, this is just a tragedy that is unspeakable."
"She was an incredibly dedicated community servant. She was always willing to talk to her constituents, she was very visible."
Democratic strategist Donna Brazile reacted to the shooting with this message on Twitter: The increasing levels of incivility, intolerance and a political climate that favors those who threatens, bully others must end. I am so sad
Giffords has served on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Armed Services, according to her election website.
Giffords previously served in the Arizona legislature and State Senate and was CEO of El Campo Tire, her family's tire and automotive business.
The election website describes Giffords as "a longtime gun owner and strong supporter of the Second Amendment."
Giffords, 40, married astronaut Mark E. Kelly in 2007. She was the first Jewish woman elected to Congress from Arizona.
