Gabby Giffords’s real name is Gabrielle Dee Giffords, born on June 8, 1970. She is a former politician and gun control or firearm regulation advocate.
Recalling her political career, Gabby served as a U.S. House of Representatives member, representing Arizona’s 8th congressional district between January 2007 and January 2012. She resigned following a severe brain injury during an assassination attempt.
A member of the Democratic Party, Gabby was the third woman in Arizona’s history to elect to the U.S. Congress.
Further, Gabby became a member of the Arizona Senate of the 28th district from 2001 to 2003 before becoming a house of representatives.
Here we describe retired politician Gabby Giffords’s political career. Why did she resign, and what happened to her? Let us dig in.
What Happened To Gabby Giffords?
In early January 2011, Gabby Giffords became the victim of the deadly attempted assassination that killed at least six, and 19 were injured. She was shot in the head outside a Safeway grocery store in Casas Adobes, Arizona.
The Tucson shooting became the highlighted news that day. However, the attacker, Jared Lee Loughner, was taken into custody after the bystanders detained him until police arrived at the scene.
Eventually, Loughner pleaded guilty to avoid a death sentence, facing over 50 charges. Following the terrible attack, Gabby announced her resignation on January 22, 2012, to focus on her health and for a quick recovery. She told the departure news in a video statement that she intended to resign from her U.S. Congressional seat.
Gabrielle Dee Giffords Has Been Married To Her Long Term Husband, Mark Kelly
Since 2007, Gabrielle, aka Gabby Giffords, has married her partner Mark Kelly. By profession, he worked as a U.S. Navy captain and NASA astronaut. In 2020, he became Arizona’s U.S. Senator.
Did you know? Apart from being an accomplished politician, Gabby had worked as an associate for regional economic development at Price Waterhouse in New York City. Besides that, Gabby became president and CEO of El Campo Tire Warehouses in 1996, a local chain of auto service centers founded by her grandfather.
Later, her family business was sold to Goodyear Tire in 2000. During the time, Gabby commented on the difficulties local businesses face when competing against large national firms.
Gun Activist Gabby Giffords Early Life
As per the Guardian, the outspoken gun-control activist Gabby Gifford’s new documentary, “Giffords Won’t Back Down,” covers the storyline of the former congresswoman turned gun control activist.
Moving on to her family background, Gabby was born to supportive parents, Gloria Kay and Spencer J. Giffords. Her father was Jewish, while her mom was a Christian.
Speaking about her alma matter, Gabby completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Latin American History from Scripps College in California in 1993. Later on, Giffords joined Cornell University to earn a Master’s degree in Regional Planning in 1996. She is a studious and smart student.