Gun control advocate Gabby Giffords endorses Joe Biden for president

Former congresswoman survived being shot in the head in 2012

Gabby Giffords has endorsed Joe Biden in the race to be the Democratic nominee for president.

The former Arizona congresswoman endorsed the Democrat frontrunner ahead of next week’s primary in the state.

In a video published on Giffords, the YouTube channel of her non-profit gun violence organisation, she praised Mr Biden’s stance on the NRA and declared he is the candidate to defeat Donald Trump.

“He was there for me time and time again. He will be there for you too. He will fight gun violence. He will fight the NRA. He will beat Donald Trump. He will lead with his heart.

“I’m voting for Joe Biden for president.”

The endorsement is not a surprise, as the pair have previously worked together to bring in greater gun control measures.

Ms Giffords’ nomination could be a factor for those who feel gun control should be a priority, as she became a high-profile advocate for greater restrictions after being badly wounded in a mass shooting in 2011.

She was shot in the head during a public meeting with constituents in an incident which left six people dead, and resigned from Congress to focus on her recovery.

The former congresswoman expanded on her reasoning to NBC News, telling them in a statement that Mr Biden was the best choice for gun control.

“Joe Biden leads with his heart. He has the compassion and toughness to lead on gun safety. I’ve witnessed him comfort the survivors of gun violence, and I’ve seen him fight for solutions to gun violence – and win. This is the leadership we need in the White House. Joe Biden is the choice for a true gun safety president.”

The former vice president also praised Ms Giffords, telling NBC News: “I have been proud to work alongside Gabby in the fight to end gun violence and am honoured to have her support today.”

Ms Giffords previously endorsed Hilary Clinton for president in 2016, when she and her husband said: “Only one candidate for president has the determination and toughness to stand up to the corporate gun lobby – and the record to prove it. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.”

Her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, is running for Senate as a Democrat and hoping to unseat Republican Martha McSally, a vocal supporter of Mr Trump, in November.