UNITED STATES/BREAKING: Shooting in Arizona causes 16 injuries, 6 deaths

US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) [right] was one of the victims of this horrible shooting. She remains in critical condition, despite earlier reports of her death.

TUCSON,ARIZONA (TNC News) | A gunman identified as Jared Loughner shot about 16 people at U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)’s constituent meeting at a local grocery store. Among the seriously wounded included the congresswoman herself and several others. 6 people were fatally killed today, including US Federal Judge John Roll and a 9-year old girl.

 

Jared Loughner, March 2010.

Courtesy AP/the Arizona Daily Star

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loughner is currently in custody, but Arizona officials are looking for a 50-year old accomplice.

Mr. Loughner was attending military school and posted some unusual videos of “conscience dreaming” and called the district Mrs. Giffords represent “illiterate”. He also called for a new “currency” and called the government “brainwashing” citizens.

His Myspace page was taken down. View his Youtube videos here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Classitup10

Mrs. Giffords was shot in the head, and earlier news reports of her death were false as the hospital reported that she was responsive and in critical condition.

Pres. Obama has condemned the attack and contacted Gov. Jan Brewer (R-AZ) to provide the full resources of the federal government. He has also personally sent the FBI Director to handle the investigation.

Gov. Brewer condemned the attack and ordered all flags to fly at half-staff. U.S. Sen and 2008 Presidential Nominee John McCain (R-AZ) also condemned the horrific attack.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Opposition Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also sent condolences. House Speaker Boehner has postponed significant legislative agendas in the U.S. House, including a vote on Pres. Obama’s healthcare plan.

Some liberal bloggers, notably of the Daily Kos started to blame Former 2008 Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin (R-AK) for her shooting. http://is.gd/knNgl (Link to Daily Kos blaming Sarah Palin)

They claim that Gov. Palin’s 2010 Midterm Campaign graphic (below) contributed to the horrible event:

However, Mrs. Palin responded through Facebook :

“My sincere condolences are offered to the family of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today's tragic shooting in Arizona.

On behalf of Todd and my family, we all pray for the victims and their families, and for peace and justice.

- Sarah Palin “

 

UPDATE: Mr Loughner will appear via video link from prison in Court. He has so far refused to answer any questions to the Police.