Report: Arizona congresswoman shot in head

By George Mathis

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

NPR is reporting U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was among seven shot Saturday during a public event outside a grocery store in Tucson.

Enlarge photo

Susan Walsh, AP FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2011 file photo, House Speaker John Boehner reenacts the swearing in of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., on Capitol Hill in Washington. Congressional officials say Giffords has been shot in her district. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

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Early reports indicated Giffords had died, but it was later reported she was in surgery in critical condition. A press conference is scheduled for 3:15 EST at the hospital.

The Democrat, who was re-elected to her third term in November, was hosting a "Congress on Your Corner" event at the Safeway in northwest Tucson when a gunman ran up and started shooting at about 10 a.m. local time, according to Peter Michaels, news director of Arizona Public Media.

Giffords and others were transported to University Medical Center in Tucson. Giffords was reportedly shot in the head.

At least 15 shots were heard by witnesses. At least three bodies were on the ground after the shooting.

The suspect is in custody, according to televised reports.

More details to come.