Gabrielle Giffords to attend January 8 memorial event in Tucson
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Gabrielle Giffords and husband Mark Kelly recently talked exclusively with ABC News anchor Dianne Sawyer.
Reporter: Forrest Carr
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The office of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced late Wednesday afternoon that she will make a public appearance in Tucson on January 8. The office said by press release that Rep. Giffords will attend a vigil scheduled for that day at the University of Arizona.
Sunday's event is one of many that are scheduled over the next few days to remember the January 8 shooting victims. The vigil at the University of Arizona Mall will feature a performance by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as well as the band Calexico. The press release points out that Calexico is one of the congresswoman's favorite Tucson bands.
The Wednesday afternoon press release quotes Pia Carusone, Giffords' chief of staff, as saying, "Congresswoman Giffords wanted to be back in Tucson for this very emotional weekend. She felt it was important to be in her hometown with her family, staff members and a few close friends.”
During her visit, Giffords will not give interviews, the press release said. Since the terrible events of January 8, Giffords has spoken to only one journalist - ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer. The exclusive interview aired in mid-November.
Sunday's vigil takes place at the University of Arizona Mall from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. According to organizers, the event is open to the public, but those attending are asked not to bring candles. Instead, glowsticks will be handed out on site.
Giffords was one of several people shot nearly one year ago during a "Congress On Your Corner" event in Tucson. Six other people died. Giffords suffered a severe brain injury. She's made what many consider to be a miraculous recovery. But her public appearances have been very limited. Sunday's appearance will be the first one that is open to the general public.
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