Gabby Giffords Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Gabby Giffords
Giffords in 2024

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona's 8th district
In office January 3, 2007 – January 25, 2012
Preceded by	Jim Kolbe
Succeeded by	Ron Barber
Member of the Arizona Senate from the 28th district
In office January 8, 2003 – December 1, 2005
Preceded by	Randall Gnant
Succeeded by	Paula Aboud
Member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 13th district
In office January 1, 2001 – January 8, 2003
Preceded by	Andy Nichols
Succeeded by	Steve Gallardo

Personal details
Born	Gabrielle Dee Giffords (1970-06-08) June 8, 1970 (age 55) Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
Political party	Democratic (since 2000)
Other political affiliations	Republican (1988–2000)
Spouse	Mark Kelly (m. 2007)
Relatives	Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Paltrow (second cousins)
Education	Scripps College (BA) Cornell University (MRP)
Awards	Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022)
Signature

Gabrielle Dee Giffords (born June 8, 1970) is a retired American politician who now works to prevent gun violence. She was a member of the United States House of Representatives for Arizona from 2007 to 2012. She was the third woman from Arizona ever elected to the U.S. Congress.

Giffords had to leave her job in Congress after she was seriously injured in an attack in 2011. While meeting with the people she represented, a man shot her in the head. She survived and has made a remarkable recovery.

After leaving Congress, Giffords and her husband, Senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly, started an organization to promote gun safety. In 2022, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest honors a civilian can receive.

Early Life and School
Political Career
- Serving in the U.S. Congress
The 2011 Tucson Attack
- A Long Road to Recovery
Life After Congress
Personal Life
Honors
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and School

Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Her father's family was Jewish, and her mother was a Christian Scientist. Giffords is a second cousin of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and director Jake Paltrow.

She graduated from Scripps College in California and later earned a master's degree from Cornell University in New York. For a while, she worked in New York City. She then returned to Arizona to run her family's tire business, El Campo Tire Warehouses, until it was sold in 2000.

Political Career

Giffords working at her desk in 2008

Giffords first entered politics in Arizona. She was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2001. In 2003, she was elected to the Arizona Senate, becoming the youngest woman ever to serve in that role at the time.

In the state legislature, Giffords focused on improving health care and education. She worked to bring all-day kindergarten to Arizona's schools and supported programs for children's health.

Serving in the U.S. Congress

In 2006, Giffords was elected to the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. She represented Arizona's 8th district. She was re-elected in 2008 and 2010.

In Congress, Giffords was known for working with members of both political parties. She was a strong supporter of solar energy and worked on ways to make the border between the U.S. and Mexico more secure. She was also a member of groups like the Blue Dog Coalition, which includes Democrats who are considered more moderate.

The 2011 Tucson Attack

A roadside sign at the location of the shooting

On January 8, 2011, Giffords was holding a "Congress on Your Corner" event. This was a chance for people in her district to meet and talk with her. The event was held outside a Safeway grocery store near Tucson.

During the event, a man began shooting into the crowd. Nineteen people were shot, and six of them died. Giffords was shot in the head. The shooter was stopped by people at the scene and taken by police.

A Long Road to Recovery

Giffords was rushed to the hospital in very serious condition. Doctors performed emergency surgery to save her life. The bullet had passed through the left side of her brain, which controls speech and movement on the right side of the body.

Her husband, NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, flew to be by her side. Her recovery was slow but steady. At first, she could not speak, but she could respond to commands. President Barack Obama visited her in the hospital. He later shared the happy news that she had opened her eyes for the first time since the attack.

Over the next few months, Giffords began physical, occupational, and speech therapy. She had to relearn how to walk and talk. She also had surgery to repair her skull with a plastic implant. By the summer, she was able to return to the House of Representatives for an important vote. Her colleagues gave her a standing ovation.

Life After Congress

Giffords with President Obama at the 2012 State of the Union Address

In January 2012, Giffords announced she would resign from Congress to focus on her recovery. In a farewell ceremony, other members of Congress praised her courage and strength.

Since leaving office, Giffords has become a powerful voice for gun safety. In 2013, she and her husband started an organization now called Giffords. The group works to pass laws that prevent gun violence while respecting the rights of gun owners.

Giffords still has some difficulty with speaking, a condition called aphasia. She has also lost some vision. But she continues to inspire people with her determination. She has given speeches at national events and even learned to play the French horn again as part of her therapy.

In 2022, her journey was featured in a documentary called Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down. That same year, President Joe Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her bravery and her work to make the country safer.

Personal Life

Giffords with her husband, Mark Kelly, in 2016

Giffords married Mark Kelly in 2007. Kelly is a former NASA astronaut who commanded the Space Shuttle. In 2020, he was elected to the United States Senate for Arizona.

Before she was injured, Giffords was an avid reader and enjoyed being outdoors. She is also a former Girl Scout. Her story of survival and hope has inspired millions of people around the world.

Honors

Giffords receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in July 2022

In 2012, the United States Navy announced it would name a new warship after her. The USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS-10) was officially commissioned in 2017. It is rare for a Navy ship to be named after a living person.

Giffords attended the ceremony where the ship was christened. She even etched her initials into a metal plate that was welded into the ship's frame.

Images for kids

Giffords at a press conference after her 2010 election victory.
Giffords's official portrait for the 111th Congress in 2008.
August 1, 2011: Giffords's first appearance in the House of Representatives after the attack.
Representative Giffords speaking with a military officer in July 2010.