Gabby Giffords to Meet Newtown Families

She survived her own tragic shooting nearly two years ago, and now Gabrielle Giffords is said to be on her way to Newtown, Connecticut to meet with survivors of Sandy Hook.

NBC Connecticut reports:

Giffords will be at a home in Newtown for a private event, according to a spokesperson for Lt Gov. Nancy Wyman's office. The event is not open to the public.

Giffords was shot in the head when a gunman opened fire at a campaign event she was holding in a Tuscon, Arizona shopping plaza in January 2011. She survived, but six people were killed, including a 9-year-old girl. The gunman, Jared Loughner, was sentenced to life in prison in November.

The visit in Newtown comes just two days after Giffords met with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, met with Bloomberg Wednesday to discuss gun control, according to the New York Post. 

Following the Connecticut shooting, Giffords’ husband Mark Kelly shared on Facebook:

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the entire community of Newtown, CT. I just spoke to Gabby, and she sends her prayers from Tucson.

As we mourn, we must sound a call for our leaders to stand up and do what is right. This time our response must consist of more than regret, sorrow, and condolence. The children of Sandy Hook Elementary School and all victims of gun violence deserve leaders who have the courage to participate in a meaningful discussion about our gun laws - and how they can be reformed and better enforced to prevent gun violence and death in America. This can no longer wait.