To the Point
Shooting Rampage in Tucson
There's been no change in the condition of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, two days after she was shot while conducting a townhall on Saturday. Doctors in Tucson say that's good news. In Washington, Congress has suspended business for this week, including the vote on repealing the President's healthcare reform. But in print, on TV and on the Internet, debate rages over what led to a shooting rampage that killed six, including a 9-year old girl, and wounded 18 others. Did vitriolic political rhetoric play a role? Is a tragedy being used to make political points? Also, more on 22-year-old suspect Jared Laughner.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenThere's been no change in the condition of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, two days after she was shot while conducting a "Congress on your corner" townhall on Saturday. Doctors in Tucson say that's good news. In Washington, Congress has suspended business for this week, including the vote on repealing the President's health care reform. But in print, on TV and on the Internet, debate rages over what led to a shooting rampage that killed six, including a 9-year old girl, and wounded 18 others. Did vitriolic political rhetoric play a role? Is a tragedy being used to make political points? We also hear what's being reported about 22-year-old suspect Jared Laughner, who is scheduled to be arraigned today on federal charges.
Banner image: Congresswoman Giffords meets with constituents one-on-one at the Safeway located at Duval Mine Road and La Canada in Green Valley, Arizona on May 22, 2010. Photo: © Gabrielle Giffords
In this episode
3 storiesCongresswoman Giffords' Condition Is Stable
Since Saturday, Gabrielle Giffords has been in a Tucson hospital for treatment of wounds from a bullet that passed through her brain. The Democratic Congresswoman has been able to follow simple commands like wiggling her toes or showing a specific finger. Neurosurgeon Michael Lemole says she's been giving CAT scans daily.
Read the story8 minViolence, Madness and Politics in Arizona
In Washington today, federal charges were filed against Jared Lee Loughner stemming from Saturday's shooting rampage in Tucson. Meanwhile, members of Congress and their staffs gathered on the steps of the Capitol and observed a moment of silence in tribute to their wounded colleague, Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords .
Read the story38 minWho Is Jared Loughner?
The New York Times reports that in a community college classroom last June, Jared Loughner's behavior was so strange that other students were afraid. The teacher says he though Loughner might "pull out a weapon." Mother Jones magazine reports that a friend of Laughner's, Bryce Tierney, has been in touch with them.
Read the story5 min
