Gabby Giffords' Plea: 'Too Many Children Are Dying' From Guns

Courtesy of CSPAN, Getty

Shooting survivor Gabrielle Giffords made an emotional appearance before Congress on Jan. 30, urging stricter gun control after 20 innocent children and six teachers were slaughtered at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Speaking haltingly and bravely, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, 42, demanded that Congress act now to protect our nation’s children from being gunned down by assault weapons.

With Sandy Hook In Mind, Giffords Demands More Gun Control

Helped to the podium by her husband, former astronaut Mike Kelly, Giffords delivered a short, powerful speech, even though her speaking ability was somewhat limited as she continues to recover from her near-fatal head injury.

“Speaking is difficult but I need to say something important,” Giffords addressed the committee. “Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children.”

Giffords’ speech was extremely moving — the fact that she overcame her injuries and limitations spoke just as loudly as her impactful words.

“We must do something. It will be hard, but the time is now,” she said.

Giffords: “You Must Act” Against Gun Violence

The former congresswoman also made sure to point out that the safety of our children is far more important than political party lines: “This is an important conversation for our children, for our communities, for Democrats and Republicans.”

As we continue to try to figure out a way to ensure our safety and our families’ safety, one statement from Giffords was especially powerful — “You must act. Be bold, be courageous. Americans are counting on you.”

If anyone can speak strongly and honestly against gun violence, it’s Gabby Giffords. In 2011, Giffords was caught in the crossfire when a shooter opened fire in a Tucson, Ariz. shopping mall, where she sustained a gunshot to her head. Six people were killed in that shooting, including a nine year-old girl, Christina Taylor Green.

Next up, Gabby Giffords will head to the White House to speak personally about gun control with President Obama.