Former US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, 51, who survived a gunshot wound to the head in a 2011 shooting, stepped in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 30, and urged the committee to ‘be bold’ in their actions against gun violence — especially in the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
If anyone can speak strongly and honestly against gun violence, it’s Gabby Giffords. In 2011, Giffords was caught in the crossfire when a shooter opened fire in a Tucson, Ariz. shopping mall, where she sustained a gunshot to her head. Six people were killed in that shooting, including a nine year-old girl, Christina Taylor Green.
With Sandy Hook In Mind, Giffords Demands More Gun Control
A little over a month since 20 children and six faculty members were horrifically gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., the gun control conversation has amped up considerably, and has propelled Giffords to speak out against our current gun control laws.
Helped to the podium by her husband, former astronaut Mike Kelly, Giffords delivered a short, powerful speech, even though her speaking ability was somewhat limited as she continues to recover from her head injury.
“Speaking is difficult but I need to say something important,” Giffords addressed the committee. “Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children.”
Giffords’ speech was extremely moving — the fact that she overcame her injuries and limitations spoke just as loudly as her impactful words.
“We must do something. It will be hard, but the time is now,” she said.
Giffords: “You Must Act” Against Gun Violence
The former congresswoman also made sure to point out that the safety of our children is far more important than political party lines: “This is an important conversation for our children, for our communities, for Democrats and Republicans.”
As we continue to try to figure out a way to ensure our safety and our families’ safety, one statement from Giffords was especially powerful — “You must act. Be bold, be courageous. Americans are counting on you.”
Next up, Gabby Giffords will head to the White House to speak personally about gun control with President Obama.
– Andrew Gruttadaro
More Sandy Hook News:
- Policeman To Dying Child At Sandy Hook: 'Your Parents Love You'
- Sandy Hook Dad, Whose Son, 6, Killed In Massacre, Heckled By Gun Activists
- President Obama To Sandy Hook Victims: I Will Reduce Gun Violence
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