httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_kTv2t2hlY
Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was gravely wounded in an assassination attempt six years ago, said Wednesday that her “Heart” was with Rep. Steve Scalise and others involved in the shooting in Alexandria, Virginia.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Giffords called for Congress to unite across both sides of the aisle and said the shooting was an attack “On all who participate in our democracy.”
“I am heartbroken for the pain of Congressman Scalise, the other victims, and their family, friends and colleagues who survived,” Giffords said in the statement.
“I am thankful for the great courage of the Capitol Police, who were my protectors after I was shot and became my friends,” Giffords said.
Giffords, who underwent a difficult recovery from a brain injury, returned to work on the Hill less than a year after the shooting and has become a vocal advocate for gun control since leaving Congress in 2012.
In 2013, Giffords launched the nonprofit Americans for Responsible Solutions, with her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly.
Kelly said both he and Giffords were in New York City Wednesday, and that Giffords has been following the news for updates.
Giffords was honored over the weekend at the christening of the USS Gabrielle Giffords.
Kelly said the naming of the ship has been a “Great honor” for both him and Giffords.