Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) in critical condition, 6 others killed in Arizona

[Sam Spade]

breaking...

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/08/132764367/congresswoman-shot-in-arizona

Heading changed to reflect further information.

Update: 2:38 PM

[Sam Spade]

Local media say "shot point blank in the head" right now, which would not be good.  Site is down.

http://tucsoncitizen.com/three-sonorans/2011/01/08/gabrielle-giffords-shot-in-head-in-tucson/

[patrick1]

Ugh, prayers.

[DrScholl]

This is horrible.

[fezzyfestoon]

Oh my god, that's unbelievable.  Very scary.  Let's hope for the best.

[minionofmidas]

Everything I can think of sponatenously reads inapposite and like a political attack. Except for the ugh/horrible/let's hope for the best part already said, so I'll just join in that for now.

[Sam Spade]

Fox News has it up to 12 people shot.  Shooter was apparently caught and is in custody.

[Beet]

Well, I'm about 90% sure this is a political assassination.

[minionofmidas]

Some twitter link I followed names two Giffords staffers also among those "shot". ("Shot" feels like a strange term to me because it doesn't give information on a crucial count - is she alive? - and is untranslatable in German.)

[hawkeye59]

Oh my god, that's unbelievable.  Very scary.  Let's hope for the best.

[You kip if you want to...]

Oh god, woah. My thought go out to her and the other victims.

[minionofmidas]

Well, I'm about 90% sure this is a political assassination.

Well yeah, but  by some madman, not the Powers That Be. Which gets you immediately to indirect responsibility of rhetoric. Which was where I cut myself short. (Well, the main one of several points.)

[Sam Spade]

Some twitter link I followed names two Giffords staffers also among those "shot". ("Shot" feels like a strange term to me because it doesn't give information on a crucial count - is she alive? - and is untranslatable in German.)

Unknown - she was transported to the local hospital and we'll have to wait on that front.

[You kip if you want to...]

Well, I'm about 90% sure this is a political assassination.

Tea Party.

[minionofmidas]

Some twitter link I followed names two Giffords staffers also among those "shot". ("Shot" feels like a strange term to me because it doesn't give information on a crucial count - is she alive? - and is untranslatable in German.)

Unknown - she was transported to the local hospital and we'll have to wait on that front.

Yeah, I got that; I was commenting on the word itself really. Well, and the other victims I suppose, but I suppose that's unknown too. It's just too freshly breaking yet.

[DrScholl]

I'll wait for more facts, but political motivation immediately crossed my mind. I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

[minionofmidas]

It's just too freshly breaking yet.

Point in case, one of these two staffers was not even at the event; some journo mixed up.

[Smash255]

Very crazy stuff, thoughts and wishers to her, her family and anyone else impacted.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Don't know what to say. Terrible.

[SPQR]

Unbelievable...wish the best to all those shot.


I can't help but think your laws on guns are just plain sh**t btw.

[Sam Spade]

She's dead, Jim.

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/08/132764367/congresswoman-shot-in-arizona

Further:  Witnesses described as in his late teens or early 20s.  No race or motive given yet.

[Napoleon]

RIP

[SvenssonRS]

Well, I'm about 90% sure this is a political assassination.

Tea Party.

Kindly wait until we know for sure before you decide to twist and exploit a tragedy to fit your personal beliefs, Jack Thompson.

No matter who did this, what their views are, or what their reasoning was, this is inexcusable and horrible. May she rest in peace.

[You kip if you want to...]

She's died. My thoughts with her family (and the people of Arizona 8th), rest in peace.

[justW353]

This is unbelievable, but it's something I've been waiting to happen for a long time.  This rhetoric can only lead to violence.

This is just tragic and disgusting.