US Congresswoman critical but breathing on her own
By DPA, IANSTuesday, January 11, 2011
LOS ANGELES - Gabrielle Giffords, the US Congresswoman who was targeted in the mass killing in Tucson, Arizona remained in critical condition Tuesday but is breathing on her own, doctors said.
“I am encouraged by the fact that she’s doing so well,” said Michael Lemole, chief of neurosurgery at University Medical Centre in Tucson. “But I want to underscore the seriousness of this injury and we have to be patient.”
The suspected attacker put a bullet through Giffords’ head at close range.
The positive prognosis came a day after the suspected attacker, Jared Lee Loughner, 22, appeared in federal court, charged with the murder of a federal judge and one of Giffords’ aides, and three attempted murder charges for the assault on Giffords and two other federal officials.
He is suspected of killing six people and wounding 14 who had gathered to meet Giffords at a constituent event.
The dead included a nine-year-old girl who had just been voted to her school student council and wanted to speak to a real-life elected official.
Loughner will be charged separately in Arizona state court for the attacks on the other victims targeted at the political event.
