Aide: Wounded former US Rep. Giffords surprise witness at Senate gun hearing

Alan Fram, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A U.S. Senate aide says wounded former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will be a surprise witness at a Wednesday hearing on how to curb gun violence.

Giffords suffered a severe head wound in a 2011 mass shooting and has emerged as a strong voice on gun control after December's school shooting left 20 young children dead.

The aide says Giffords is not expected to answer questions at the Senate Judiciary Committee session. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because Giffords' appearance had not been announced.

Giffords' husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, had been scheduled to appear Wednesday. The two have formed a political action group called Americans for Responsible Solutions, aimed at promoting gun restrictions.

Also testifying will be Wayne LaPierre, executive vice-president of the National Rifle Association.