Giffords Still Alive

[TeaBagsAreForCups]

Source: Talking Points Memo

Giffords Still Alive
Josh Marshall | January 8, 2011, 2:37PM

Despite apparent confirmation of the death of Rep. Giffords, there are now conflicting reports about her condition. A few moments ago, local channel KOLD reported that the hospital has announced that Giffords is not dead but rather still in surgery at the hospital. A hospital spokesman, Darci Slater, confirmed that Giffords is in fact still alive.

Late Update: As first we listed these new developments as 'conflicting reports' about Giffords' condition. But we are now hearing clearly and unambiguously from the hospital that Giffords is alive and in surgery. We also have reports that the hospital has specifically asked the national media to retract reports of Giffords' death.



Giffords Alive, in Surgery
Josh Marshall | January 8, 2011, 2:50PM

University Medical Center in Tucson is confirming that, contrary to earlier published reports, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) is alive and in surgery at the hospital.

Late Update: 2:53 PM -- The hospital is reportedly going to release a statement on Giffords in 30 minutes. We also have a report that a news conference will be held at 1:30 PM local time (3:30 PM EDT).

Late Update: 2:56 PM -- Local police reportedly have a 21 year old man in custody as the suspected shooter.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/giffords_alive_in_surgery.php?ref=fpblg

Read more: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/conflicting_reports_on_giffords.php?ref=fpblg

[Qutzupalotl]

1. NPR: Conflicting reports about her survival

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

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head by a gunman at a public event in Tucson on Saturday. There are conflicting reports about whether she was killed.

The Pima County, Ariz., sheriff's office told member station KJZZ the 40-year-old Democrat was killed. At least nine other people, including members of her staff, were injured.


It's understandable how people would be quick to assume that a shot to the head would be fatal, but not in all cases. The hourly report at 2PM ET said she had been killed, but the site now says it's undetermined. Others are saying she's still in surgery, which I take as a hopeful sign, considering.

[Peace Patriot]

2. These reports says a dozen people wounded, five dead.

http://www.whptv.com/news/national/story/Hospital-spokesperson-Rep-Giffords-in-surgery/YbLpHbx6QUen9G2rRj23ZA.cspx

http://www.wbir.com/national/article/151397/16/Arizona-Congresswoman-Giffords-shot-in-Tucson?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp

Another report I saw said that among the wounded or dead is federal judge and a child.

[Peace Patriot]

5. This report says one of her aides was killed...

http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=13807906

It also says this: "In March, hours after Giffords voted in favor of health care reform, the front door of Giffords' Tucson office was shattered, also a side glass panel."

Who would shoot a congresswoman and a bunch of other people over a health care bill? For that matter, who would break the windows of someone's house over such a matter?

It is mind-boggling. I mean, even with rightwing hate radio and hate TV, and Sarah Palin's target list--even with these powers of suggestion working on a volatile personality--who would actually pick up rocks and attack a home over people getting medical care help? Just that is mind-boggling. Add this--five dead people, a dozen wounded, at least one critically, in a shooting spree--over one women's liberal votes in a Diebold/Puke Congress--and I am at a loss to explain it, except maybe as part of a plan of mayhem and terror.

Yeah, somebody can go off his meds and start shooting people. It happens. That is a possibility. But only a possibility. Besides that possibility, you have to look at MOTIVE. If that is NOT what happened--just another lone "nut" with a gun--then WHAT WAS THE MOTIVE? It's not as if she was a critical vote in Congress. The Fascists got their Puke Congress. They're in charge now. A few "liberal" votes ain't gonna change whatever horrors they have in mind for us and for our country. If something--somebody, some group--is BEHIND this, what are they trying to accomplish? The only answer I can grasp at is terror--fear, mayhem, a feeling of things being out-of-control.

[howmad1]

6. And we're worried about terrorists abroad.

[RidinMyDonkey]

3. Thank the stars she is still alive

I read that she was still able to move her hands after being shot. What are the chances that she wont have severe long lasting damage?

Any word on the other shooting victims?

[Peace Patriot]

7. A federal judge was shot dead on the spot. So was the nine year old child.

And one of Giffords' aides is dead. Five people were in surgery, in critical condition. Five were dead. 12 to 18 altogether were wounded or killed.

There is some reason to be believe that the judge was also a target--possibly even the main target--but not enough is known at this point.

One alleged shooter is in custody--Jared Loughner. I read a report that the police had another man in custody as well and were looking for a third.

[Mz Pip]

4. There is probably a lot

going on that we don't know. Family members have to be notified before any formal announcements are issued.

This is a sad day for our country.