Six dead in shooting that wounds Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

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Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and 18 others were shot in suburban Pima County, Ariz., on Saturday when a gunman opened fire outside a supermarket where Giffords was conducting a public event.

A 22-year-old suspect was in custody, law-enforcement officials said. But investigators at a Saturday night news conference said they were looking for a possible accomplice.

Six of the victims were killed, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said. Among them were John Roll, chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, and a 9-year-old girl.

Giffords, 40, who authorities said was the target of the gunman, was described as being in very critical condition late Saturday at University Medical Center in Tucson, where she underwent surgery. Dr. Peter Rhee, medical director of the hospital's trauma and critical-care unit, said she had been shot once in the head, "through and through," with the bullet going through her brain.

"I can tell you at this time, I am very optimistic about her recovery," he said at a news conference.

President Obama said FBI Director Robert Mueller had been asked to travel to Arizona to oversee the investigation.

Young man in custody

Investigators identified the gunman as Jared Lee Loughner.

Authorities were seen entering the house of someone by that name about 5 miles from the shootings. Potential political motives were raised, although officials did not speculate about what may have provoked the attack.

Mark Kimble, an aide to Giffords, said the shooting occurred about 10 a.m. in a small area between an American flag and an Arizona flag. He said he went into the store for coffee, and as he came out the gunman was walking up and started firing.

"Everyone hit the ground," Kimble said. "It was so shocking. I still can't believe this happened."

The Washington Post, citing federal law-enforcement sources, reported that the gunman used a Glock 19, a semiautomatic pistol, found with a fully loaded magazine that held about 30 bullets. He had another magazine that held about 30 bullets and two others with about 15 bullets. He also was carrying a knife.

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