A Decade after Tucson Shooting, Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Pays Tribute to Victims & Community’s Resilience

Washington, DC — A decade after Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 18 other people were shot in Tucson, Arizona, she paid tribute to the victims and the resilience of those impacted by the tragedy. Congresswoman Giffords, the co-founder of the gun violence prevention group Giffords, plans to spend the next year looking ahead, focusing on how we must always move forward, even when it’s hard. 

Through a series of events tied to the themes of resilience, courage, and determination, Giffords will be highlighting the progress we’ve made to keep communities safer and the remarkable people with whom Gabby has connected through her work and recovery, along with inspiring stories from other Americans exhibiting courage in the face of adversity. 

Statement from former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:

“On this morning ten years ago, my life and my community changed forever. The Tucson shooting shook our city to its core. But it did not break me or the people I represented in Congress. Instead, we came together, turned our pain into purpose, and along the way found hope in each other. 

“It hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of obstacles and adjustments along the way. One of the hardest decisions I had to make was stepping down from Congress, where I served the community I will always call home. But I continued to work on getting better while never forgetting the lives we lost. 

“Tucson never stops fighting and we are moving ahead together, serving as an example for the nation. My recovery has taught me that even the smallest victories can result in progress. Each day, we are given a new opportunity to achieve a safer America, and we must continue that struggle through the next decade and beyond.”