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Obama On Giffords Shooting, Tea Party Sights Were Set, 2nd Suspect Arrested [UPDATES]

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Conflicting reports have been released about the condition of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who was shot at close range this morning in Arizona. Last CNN update reported nine patients, including a child in either serious or critcial condition and undergoing surgery.

The Huffington Post is reporting a statement released by President Obama, "This morning, in an unspeakable tragedy, a number of Americans were shot in Tuscon, Arizona, at a constituent meeting with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. And while we are continuing to receive information, we know that some have passed away, and that Representative Giffords is gravely wounded."

Witnesses described the alleged shooter to NPR as being in his late teens or early 20, and this inflammatory and inappropriate call to arms was reportedly taken off Sarah Palin's Sarahpac Facebook page today showing the Congresswoman and others targeted with gun sights. Reports the NY Post, Giffords father while rushing to the hospital was asked if his daughter had any enemies. "Yeah," he told The Post. "The whole tea party." A second suspect has been arrested and a third is being sought, reports the Tucson Citizen.

UPDATE (via Huffington Post):

  • 3:47 PM ET The judge who was killed at today's shooting has been identified as John Roll.
  • 3:44 PM ET State Senator: Giffords Through Surgery, 'Responding To Commands' Via Brian Stelter, state senator Linda Lopez tells Fox, "We just heard that [Giffords] is responding to commands. She made it through surgery."
  • 3:42 PM ET Sheriff's Dept: 18 Shot, 6 Dead, Giffords 'Gravely' Wounded. Richard J. Kastigar, the bureau chief for the Pima County Sheriff's Department, tells CNN that 18 individuals were shot and six are dead. He adds that Giffords is "gravely" wounded.
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