“Unbelievable Tragedy:” Congresswoman Shot By Young, Disgruntled Gunman

At least fifteen gunshots rang out shortly after 10:10am Arizona Time Saturday, bullets fatally striking a Federal Judge and injuring a prominent Congresswoman.

Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) of Arizona’s Eighth District was wounded at a public meet-and-greet event outside a grocery store in Tucson Saturday morning. Medical officials say a bullet entered and exited one side of the Congresswoman’s head.

A Federal Judge who made an impromptu visit to Rep. Griffords’ event was fatally struck by a bullet.

In all, six people died and nineteen people were shot. A 9-year-old girl who was wounded at the event later died at an area hospital.

Authorities have identified the shooter as 22-year-old Jared Loughner of Tucson, an individual who rambled in YouTube postings about mind control and left a rant online that was removed hours before the shooting.

Students at a local community college described Loughner as a “loner” who occasionally interrupted his math class with nonsensical ramblings.

Reaction to Saturday’s shooting was met with shock and sadness from Phoenix to Washington.

President Obama described Congresswoman Giffords as a friend who was fighting for her life. President Obama said the shooting was a “senseless and terrible act.”

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer sent condolences to the family and friends of Rep. Giffords.

“She has always been a noble public servant,” Gov. Brewer said in a statement. “Gabby is more than just a colleague, she is my friend.”

Fedreal Judge John M. Roll, who lived blocks away from Rep. Giffords’ public event, was fatally struck by a bullet when he arrived at the supermarket in an impromptu and unscheduled visit.

Rep. Giffords’ district director was also named among the dead.

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