Congresswoman making recovery
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords's medical condition was upgraded from critical to serious, eight days after she was shot through the head by a gunman at close range.
Her doctors' decision was yet another sign of a remarkable recovery since she was badly injured when a gunman opened fire as she met constituents in a Tucson supermarket parking lot. Six people were killed and 13 were wounded, including the congresswoman.
Mrs Giffords is now able to move around well enough that she gave her husband, Mark Kelly, a back rub from her hospital bed, he told ABC in an interview to be broadcast today.
"[It is] so typical of her. She's in the ICU [intensive care unit]. You know, gone through this traumatic injury. And she spent 10 minutes giving me a neck massage," Mr Kelly said. "I keep telling her. I'm like, 'Gabby, you're in the ICU. You know, you don't need to be doing this'. But it's so typical of her that no matter how bad the situation might be for her, she's looking out for other people."
The gesture seemed to comfort Mrs Giffords and showed that his wife was improving and that her spirit and their personal bond remained strong, Mr Kelly said. He added that he would be willing to meet the parents of the suspect, Jared Loughner. Mr Kelly, who has two teenage daughters from a previous marriage, said they must be hurting.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments