Giffords resigns House seat to focus on recovery

By: DONNA CASSATA Associated Press | WNCT
Published: January 25, 2012

» Comments | Post a Comment

WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has resigned from the House with a standing ovation from her colleagues, more than a year after she was gravely wounded by a would-be assassin.

The Arizona congresswoman formally resigned after a series of tributes from her colleagues. She's stepping down to focus on her recovery from a gunshot wound to the head.

As Giffords sat in the chamber's front row, lawmakers praised her dignity, grace and perseverance. Her mother, Gloria, and husband, retired Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, watched from the gallery. Giffords stood in the well of the House as her close friend, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, read her resignation letter. Other members of the Arizona delegation surrounded her. And Rep. Jeff Flake held her hand. An emotional Wasserman Schultz said Giffords would return one day.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Reader Comments

*Facebook Account Required to Comment. If you are not already logged into Facebook, please click the comment button to do so.

Deal of the Day

Interactive Radar

Caught On Camera

Hundreds of Marilyn Monroe look-a-likes gather to break world record

A bear and moose take the path less traveled and hundreds of Marilyn Monroe look-a-likes try to break a record. The latest video and stories that will have you talking are coming up now in Take a Look At This!