Former Lawmaker & Mass Shooting Survivor Gabby Giffords Reflects on Attack by Colorado Gunman
Gabby Giffords, a mass shooting survivor, has spoken up about the recent Boulder shooting and asks that appropriate actions be taken. This comes only ten years after she was shot in the head by a gunman.
In the wake of the recent shooting in Boulder, Colorado, former lawmaker Gabby Giffords has spoken up, pleading with people in power to take necessary action while recalling her own experience.
In a tweet shared by Giffords on Tuesday, the former lawmaker described the shooting as a tragedy, adding that only last weekend also suffered a similar fate at a Philadelphia house party.
Photo of a police car parked on the street | Photo: Pexels
Giffords also referenced the attacks on Asian American women that sprung up last week. She continued, noting that the frequent gun-related attacks could be avoided and urged leaders to take action.
The former lawmaker also expressed her sadness over the recent Boulder incident, writing that her heart sinks for those waiting to hear from their loved ones in the area.
Today it's a tragedy in Boulder, Colorado. This past weekend it was a house party in Philadelphia. And last week it was an armed attack on Asian American women in the Atlanta area. It doesn't have to be this way. It’s beyond time for our leaders to take action.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) March 23, 2021
Giffords talked about how the recent tragedies could have been prevented, noting that everyone whose life was suddenly cut off had dreams and people who loved them
She continued, describing the shootings as a personal tragedy for her, referencing her experience in a mass shooting that left her gravely injured and many others dead.
Several other celebrities and public figures have reacted, condemning the incident and advocating for a gun control reform.
My heart sinks for those waiting for news of their family and friends in Boulder. As we receive more information, we must remember that every victim has a name. They had hopes, dreams, and people who loved them. They are no longer with us because of preventable tragedies.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) March 23, 2021
In 2011, Giffords, who was representing Arizona's 8th congressional district at the time, was meeting with a group of people when a gunman opened fire.
Giffords was shot in the head while six people, including Judge John Roll and a nine-year-old girl named Christina-Taylor Green, were killed. More than ten other people were wounded.
This is an especially personal tragedy for me. I survived a shooting at a grocery store that devastated my beloved Tucson. It’s been 10 years and countless communities have faced something similar. This is not normal. #EnoughIsEnough https://t.co/yWrLd2rFwE
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) March 23, 2021
Though the gunman was apprehended and has been in prison since his sentence, Giffords remains an advocate for gun control. She also never fails to honor the people who lost their lives at the tragic incident.
In January 2020, Giffords took to Twitter, remembering victims of the shooting and reflecting on how much had changed following the incident.
9 years ago, I was doing what I loved most—meeting with constituents—when six people were killed, 12 were injured, and I was shot in the head at a Safeway in Tucson. What I've learned since that day is that it's not the setback that defines us, but how we respond to it. pic.twitter.com/crbDf5tkBW
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) January 8, 2020
Following the Boulder shooting, several other celebrities and public figures have reacted, condemning the incident and advocating for a gun control reform.
Former first lady Michelle Obama wrote that she was heartbroken and urged people across America to prevent further tragedies by supporting the gun reform bill.
A once-in-a-century pandemic cannot be the only thing that slows mass shootings in this country. It’s time for leaders everywhere to listen to the American people when they say enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/7MEJ87Is3E
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 23, 2021
Public figures including former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hilary Clinton, singer Luke Bryan and many more have also spoken up, clamoring for actions to be taken.
While the whole of America waits for their voices to be heard, there is no doubt that even in years to come, people who have lost their lives to gun violence will always be remembered.
