Gabrielle Giffords Resigns, Thanks Supporters for Prayers
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the Arizona congresswoman who was shot in the head in a mass shooting last year, will resign from Congress this week. The announcement comes today in a video released by Giffords, saying she will focus more on her recovery.
"Arizona is my home, always will be. A lot has happened over the past year. We cannot change that, but I know that on the issues we fought for we can change things for the better: Jobs, border security, veterans. We can do so much more by working together.
"I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me. To be your voice. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week," she said in the video.
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"I'm getting better. Every day my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country. Thank you very much," she said.
Giffords was critically injured in an assassination attempt on Jan. 8, 2011. A gunman shot 19 people, including Giffords, in a "Congress at your corner" event.
John A. Boehner, who became House speaker only days before the tragic shooting, said in a statement on Sunday: "I salute Representative Giffords for her service, and for the courage and perseverance she has shown in the face of tragedy. She will be missed."
Representative Nancy Pelosi, the minority leader who visited Giffords in hospital and was there when she first opened her eyes, said, "I join all my colleagues in Congress in thanking Gabby for the honor of calling her colleague and wishing Gabby and Mark great success and happiness. She will be missed in the House of Representatives, but her legacy in the Congress and her leadership for our nation will certainly continue."
