Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, wife of former NASA shuttle commander Mark Kelly, is resigning this week to focus on her recovery following an assassination attempt last year, Giffords announced Sunday.
In a video on her campaign website and released on YouTube, Giffords speaks about the shooting and expresses her gratitude to her constituents and supporters.
“I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week,” Giffords says.
“I’m getting better every day. My spirit is high. I will return,” she adds.
Giffords and Kelly, who commanded the final flight of space shuttle Endeavour last year, co-authored a memoir, Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope, written in the wake of the Jan. 8, 2011, shooting.
Six people died in the attack outside a Tucson, Ariz., grocery store, where Giffords was holding a public meeting. Giffords was critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head.
Image credit: GabrielleGiffords.com
