Giffords to return to Tucson for shooting anniversary
(CNN) - Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, still recovering from head wounds incurred at a shooting in Tucson last year, will attend a vigil marking the anniversary of the massacre that left six people dead, her office announced Wednesday.
The ceremony will take place on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson on Sunday, and is one of several events taking place over the weekend to mark the anniversary of the shooting.
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Giffords will attend the event with her husband, retired Navy captain Mark Kelly.
"Congresswoman Giffords wanted to be back in Tucson for this very emotional weekend," Pia Carusone, Giffords' chief of staff, said in a statement. "She felt it was important to be in her hometown with her family, staff members and a few close friends."
Giffords, a Democrat, was shot January 8, 2011 in a parking lot outside a grocery store in Tucson as she was holding a constituent meet-and-greet. Jared Loughner, 23, is accused of wounding Giffords and 12 others and killing six people. Loughner has since been diagnosed with mental illness.
Giffords has been undergoing therapy in Houston, but has returned to Tucson four times since the shooting, according to her office.
Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Rabbi Stephanie Aaron and Dr. Peter Rhee, one of Giffords doctors, will also participate in Sunday's event. The emcee will be Ron Barber, Giffords' district director who was shot and wounded in last year's incident.
Giffords' office said the congresswoman would not give interviews during the anniversary weekend.
I have the utmost respect for this lady who has fought adversity head on.
That must be tough for her. I applaud her courage and am glad to see that she is recovering.
Not to be insensitive, but I wonder if and when she will be adequately recovered to fulfill her duties. I'm sure the people of AZ are not inclined to replace her, from an emotional standpoint. No one wants to kick someone when they're down. But is it fair for her to continue to hold that post if she is unable to do her job? I bear her no ill will; just making an observation. I hope she makes a full recovery.