The TicketGabrielle Giffords launches anti-gun violence initiative
Two years after she was shot at point-blank range while meeting with constituents in Tucson, former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, joined by her husband, Mark Kelly, are launching an initiative urging Congress to pass legislation to curb gun violence.
Giffords and Kelly announced on Tuesday the formation of Americans for Responsible Solutions, which "will encourage elected officials to stand up for solutions to prevent gun violence and protect responsible gun ownership," according to a letter from the couple on the organization's website.
"Two years ago, a mentally ill young man shot me in the head, killed six of my constituents, and wounded 12 others. Since that terrible day, America has seen 11 more mass shootings—but no response from Congress to prevent gun violence," Giffords and Kelly also wrote in a USA Today op-ed. "After the massacre of 20 children and six of their teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary though, it’s clear: This time must be different."
The new group intends to raise money to "balance the influence of the gun lobby" according to Giffords and Kelly, and support lawmakers who support anti-gun violence resolutions
Six people were killed on Jan. 8, 2011, when a gunman opened fire outside a supermarket near Tucson where Giffords was meeting with constituents. She resigned from Congress in January 2012.
