Former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded two years ago in a deadly shooting in her district, is planning a private visit Friday with families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
The meeting will take place in a residence and will not be open to the news media, according to NBCConnecticut.com. Giffords will be accompanied by her astronaut husband, Mark Kelly.
On Dec. 14, the day of the school shooting that left 26 dead, 20 of them children, Giffords posted a plea for gun control on her Facebook page:
"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."
Earlier in the week Giffords met with New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, another outspoken gun control advocate who also called for stricter gun laws on the day of the school shooting.
Giffords, 42, was shot in the head during a January 2011 campaign event in a Tucson shopping center.
Six others at the event were killed, including U.S. District Judge John Roll, a Giffords aide, and a 9-year-old girl. Another 13 people were wounded by the shooter, Jared Loughner, 24.
A bullet passed through Gifford's head. An emergency surgery was performed in which part of her skull was removed to avoid further damage to her brain from pressure caused by swelling.
Gifford's remarkable recovery has served as an inspiration for millions across the country.
Loughner was sentenced to life for his murderous rampage.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.