Gabrielle Giffords Is Stepping Down From Congress

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Nearly a year after she was shot in the head in a tragic killing spree that left six dead, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords announced that she is going to step down from Congress in a YouTube video posted to her channel today. "I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week," she says in the video. "I'm getting better, " she adds. Watch her message after the jump.

According to the Arizona Daily Star, Giffords will attend the State of the Union Tuesday.

(h/t)

Update: 3:11 p.m.
Giffords' friend New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the resignation:

For the past year, Gabby has shown the world the person I have always known - an extraordinary woman of fierce drive, determination and courage. Gabby made the right decision for her and her family, but this is just the beginning of the next chapter of her story. I know that Gabby will find other ways to fulfill her calling of public service and continue to lead and inspire the nation. I feel blessed to call Gabby Giffords a dear friend and look forward to supporting her in whatever she decides to do next.

[EstherZuckerman / ezwrites]

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