ASA Members were saddened to learn of the January 8, 2011 attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), in Tucson, Arizona.  Congresswoman Giffords was attacked by a lone gunman and suffered a gunshot wound to the head.  Six people died in the attack, and another 12 were injured.

“This senseless act of violence has no place in American political life,” said Mark A. Warner, M.D., President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. “The American Society of Anesthesiologists and our 44,000 members have Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and the families and friends of all of the victims in our thoughts and prayers.”

Representative Gabrielle Giffords has a strong rapport with Arizona anesthesiologists. “Representative Giffords is a personal friend of many of the anesthesiologists in Arizona,” said Jeff Mueller, M.D., Chair of ASAPAC and an Arizona resident “Representative Giffords is well-known for her leadership, passion, hard work, and support for Arizona’s physician community.” 

Current reports state Congresswoman Giffords is in critical condition, and physicians are cautiously optimistic about her recovery.

Ron Szabat, J.D., ASA Executive Vice President and General Counsel, who visited with Congresswoman Giffords on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, January 5th said, "The U. S. Congress, Arizona and the Nation have seen a dedicated public servant become the target of a horrifying act of violence.  We have treasured our close work with Representative Giffords and sincerely hope for her quick and complete recovery."

For more information, read ASA's outline on the difference between medically induced coma and sedation and trauma anesthesiology.