January is a time for new beginnings and new pledges. But it is also the time of year that I think most about the shooting that killed six of my constituents, injured 12 others, and put a bullet through my head.
Six years ago, on a bright Saturday morning, our community was forever altered by a young, disturbed man who should have never had access to a gun. Innocent lives were taken and countless others will never be the same.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, our city united as one Tucson. People of all different backgrounds came together to cry, to mourn, and to heal. We have bonded over the values we all share. And as a result, our city is stronger than ever.
Like our city, my life has also changed a lot since that horrible day. Speaking is still really difficult for me. My eyesight isn’t very good, and despite hours of grueling physical therapy, my right arm and right leg remain mostly paralyzed. But one thing that hasn’t changed is my desire to help and serve others.
Service has always been an important part of our community’s fabric. We Tucsonans help our neighbors in need, we care for those who are less fortunate, and we all give back to the community we love in our own unique way.
Those values inspired my friend, Judge John Roll, to pursue a law degree at the University of Arizona, join the legal system, and serve our state and country with great distinction for over 35 years.
Those values helped shape Dorothy Morris, who is affectionately remembered for her devotion to her family and concern for others.
Those values led Phyllis Schneck to spend hours knitting sweaters for students at nearby Cragin Elementary School because she worried the children would be cold in the winter.
Those values encouraged a courageous nine-year-old girl, Christina-Taylor Green, to step forward and run for student council at Mesa Verde Elementary School.
Those values called Dorwan Stoddard, a retired construction worker, to the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ, where he spent hours volunteering his time to keep the church looking its best.
And it was those values that motivated my friend and former staff member, Gabe Zimmerman, to pursue a career in public service, and courageously run towards me in the face of gunfire, as I lay bleeding on the ground.
Over the past six years, I have thought a lot about why I survived when these wonderful people, who brought so much goodness into the world, did not.
I still don’t have a good answer.
I often remind myself of something Abraham Lincoln used to say: “The Almighty has His own purposes.” While I still cannot make sense of this terrible tragedy, I can only hope that this horrible event was not merely random. That something positive can come from all of this so that no other family or community has to endure another senseless tragedy like ours.
And that is why I wake up each and every day grateful and determined to make the most of my second chance at life and service. Along with my husband Mark Kelly, I have worked to make sure our leaders finally do something about the 33,000 Americans who die every year from gun violence.
Like my recovery, progress has been painfully slow. But regardless of the pace, to me, each small step means more children will be able to enjoy holidays with their parents, and more parents will be able to enjoy seeing their children grow up.
Together, we’ve worked with leaders from both parties to help keep guns out of the hands of the dangerously mentally ill by strengthening the background check system to include more mental health records.
We’ve worked in state houses across the country to pass laws that protect women and their families from domestic abusers with guns.
Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, 42 states have passed over 160 new gun safety laws that help protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners, like Mark and me, and keep guns out of dangerous hands.
As I travel across the country to push for responsible laws and support bipartisan leaders who have advocated for commonsense action, I carry the memories of those who were taken in the Tucson shooting with me. And I pledge to do my best, each and every day, to honor their legacy by making our country safer.
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords represented Southern Arizona in Congress from 2007 to 2012
This article appears in Jan 5-11, 2017.
What a day!
Please take some time to think about this and let it sink in after the tragic rampage in FL today:
The Florida Senates list of Florida Statutes states that a [concealed carry] license issued under this section does not authorize any person to openly carry a handgun or carry a concealed weapon or firearm intothe inside of the passenger terminal and sterile area of any airport, provided that no person shall be prohibited from carrying any legal firearm into the terminal, which firearm is encased for shipment for purposes of checking such firearm as baggage to be lawfully transported on any aircraft.
In other words, it is legal to have a gun with you if it is encased for travelsay, for the purposes of a hunting or shooting tripbut it is not legal to have one otherwise. This mean law-abiding Floridians with concealed carry licenses were barred from having their guns on their persons for self-defense while at the baggage claim where the January 6 attack occurred. The Crime Prevention Research Center notes that Florida is one of only six states that completely ban concealed carry at airports. AWR Hawkins Breitbart News
So gun laws prevented passengers from protecting each other. There are always unintended consequences of most legislation. And nobody wants that to happen.
Monday morning quarterbacks can now see this man should not have had a firearm. As we learn more about his mental state and criminal history, it is another one that nobody stopped.
And if he hadn’t used a gun or knife, it may have been a bomb.
Wishing you continued recovery Gabby.
Why does this poor woman need to be turned into a political tool?
January 8th shooting is a tragedy and everyone involved has their own way to process their grief. It’s a shame that the famies have to relive that day every year.
I don’t understand why the families of those killed and injured are not filing a lawsuit against Gabby Gifford.
She was a Congresswoman and had no protection or permission from Safeway’s corporate office to have this event.
doug stanhope did a hilarious bit on this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTM6YrOwec…
@Palisades This was a Tragedy that occured in My town, to my neighbors! Their lives were precious to their families and do not deserve to be ridiculed nor featured in “a hilarious bit”. Hope you never have to experience such a horrific event.
She is taking the role because she wants to she hasn’t been made to. Why bring it up every year that person wasn’t directly effected.We remember 9/11, Sandy and many others so what’s wrong with Tucson AZ.
I am not from Tucson but I’ve lived here for 13 and it is one of the most accepting places I have ever lived. I would like to note I was born and raised in RI with all kinds of races, religions, ethnicities and sexual orientation. It was as accepting as Tucson and left at 27 getting my college degrees to join the AF. I later lived in TN for over 20 years. Southern hospitality is a lie. I had never been called a Yankee at all but to be called it in a negative and hateful way shocked. I’m a white female and he was a white male. I also the first feminist he ever met also said negatively and hateful. I was the only person with training and experience managing and running a mental health clinic in the AF. I wanted to apply but the man hiring for that position had a man with no management experience and less experience working with mentally ill. He suggested I take his position. Our positions were the same just different programs. I told him if I can’t be considered for the job I will stay where I am.
I guess he read my resume which I am sure was better or that I had been NOW president of the largest chapter in MS. while stationed there or both but I got the job. I didn’t mean to get into all that except it was culture shock. No black people no other religions, certainly no openly gay and no atheists. This was mid 80’s! Still like it when I left in early 2000’s especially rural areas where I lived. Tucson is accepting like I recall RI. Tucson gun tragedy warrants remembering as do all mass shootings.
I am so proud of Gabby Giffords and all the survivors and the families of those who were killed. The Tucson community is also something to be proud of! Never never move to the South!!!!!
Thank you, Gabby
This is a prior govt official using her position as a means to restrict my unalienable right to bear arms. Now she’s being used by the gun registration/covert confiscation lobby to pull at our heartstrings to get more oppressive laws passed that will do NOTHING AT ALL to sop another mass shooting. Criminals will build a high capacity weapons out of a CNC machine in a home if they’re really determined to get a gun but you pro-tyranny leftists are only concerned with controlling and virtual enslavement of the masses. Tell the truth, just like traffic laws, it’s not about safety, it’s about revenue and control. Gabby needs to stay home, rehabilitate and stop being used by the coward plantation masters in our region.
“…and it is one of the most accepting places I have ever lived”
Only if you’re a liberal. If you’re a conservative white male Christian you are despised. I’ve never lived or worked anywhere with less diversity and tolerance.
I doubt she wrote this article.. There using her as a poodle for gun control. The guy that shot her should of been in a mental hospital. That’s the real problem!! We have done away with all the facilities we once had to house the mentally unstable. I would love to know if she is aware this article and many others have been written..
Naw, you can joke about anything
I was so fortunate to be present when Gabby spoke at a rally prior to the election. She took the stage with her husband and I wept. I wept. This woman was shot in the head (SHOT IN THE HEAD) by pure evil and has every right to say, “I’m out. You all are on your own.” But, she steps up every day to do the right thing despite what has happened. A hero! I love her. I love her.
Quite frankly I am disgusted at how some people have the nerve to talk smack about an incredible woman who has been through so much! Independently of where you stand on the gun issue you should at least respect the fact that things are not ideal and do need to change so that we can all live safe and healthy lives. Not everyone has to agree with ms Gifford’s views on how to go about them but at least respect the fact that she tries and cares!
I am not here to promote ms Gifford’s agenda or to talk about gun control but honestly, people spend so much time attacking and being defensive that real solutions get missed!
So maybe instead of attacking a poor woman who has been through a traumatic and life changing ordeal so understandingly wants to try to help avoid such events in the future, whether her solutions are good or not, try to find possible solutions yourselves!
Anti-Gun but doesn’t have a problem with a giant war ship with huge guns attached to it. Oh the Hypocrisy. She sure didn’t say no I don’t want to be named on a war ship lol
Now now Wrong, Again…no need to get your Pampers all soiled, you poor little cupcake snowflake.
People in Tucson have plenty of love and tolerance for “conservative white male Christians”, just not the trolling prickhead variety such as yourself. Like I’ve told you before, if you were nicer, people would be nicer to you. It’s all about causality.
It’s a new year man, time for you to get a new attitude.
Ms Clifford is a victim. She must be regarded as one. A lessor person would have given up. Many hours of suffering and perseverance have proven her position in life. I do not believe she wants to “take my guns” away. Only sensible enforceable laws will accomplish the decrease in the senseless shootings occurring. I support Ms Gifford and wish her godspeed in her goals.
Gabby’s a remarkable woman of strength, wisdom and insight. I’m proud to have been able to count her as a friend. She has every right to advocate for ways to reduce and prevent gun violence.
Ah yes, the conservative white male Christian – the rarest of breeds. You poor, poor unicorn. I hope the last of your kind gets put into an exhibit at the Smithsonian so we can never forget.
Thank You For Your Courage
Put The Guns To Sleep.com
Dear Soul Searching: RE: So gun laws prevented passengers from protecting each other. There are always unintended consequences of most legislation. And nobody wants that to happen.
The flaw in your thinking is that armed citizens could safely make a difference — even police would hesitate to fire where there is a crowd. And they have the training to manage this.
21,000 of those mentioned per year are Suicides by people who take their own lives. That reduces the number to 12,000 and just think if you removed Chicago from that equation it would be another minus 762. I really liked Gabby voted for her 2 times but not after Pelosi and Wasserman-Schultz corrupted her. Facts can be easily distorted.
MaryE2 The flaw in your thinking is that a group of armed citizens would even NEED to fire at him. Amazing how well people behave when there are immediate consequences.
I am not going to pile on “What, Again” and call him names. I fit all his white guy categories but lack his pathos. With many decades of watching (and mildly participating in) the politics of this country, I have watched “liberals” try to get along on TV with diminishing success. When they wanted to have a dialogue they got slapped down and insulted by rich mainstream media guys like Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly who set terrible examples for decent behavior. I have watched “conservatives” in public become more and more entrenched and intolerant and go after anyone who sees our nation from a different position in society.
Do you mean like Meryl Streep did?