Jared Loughner Charged In Tucson Massacre

Only a week into 2011, the United States is facing its first tragedy of the year. In Tucson, Arizona A gunman opened fire on a crowd outside of a supermarket during a Congresswoman's gathering with members of her community.

According to the Associated press, 22-year-old Jared Loughner has been charged with the shooting, which was responsible for six deaths and 13 wounded. Among those wounded included Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

The charges against Loughner include first-degree murder, attempted murder counts and attempting to kill a member of Congress.

President Obama commented on Saturday's tragedy and offered encouraging and kind words about Giffords and the other victims. Mr. Obama said of Giffords, "she is currently in a hospital in the area, and she is battling for her life."

Mr. Obama spoke with grief for the victims and urged Americans to come together noting "I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping all the victims and their families, including Gabby, in our thoughts and prayers."

The president was assuring when speaking of how authorities would deal with the crime saying, "we are going to get to the bottom of this and we are going to get through this."

New Speaker of the House John Boehner also released a statement of condolences for Rep. Giffords and her family. 

“I am horrified by the senseless attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and members of her staff.  An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve.  Acts and threats of violence against public officials have no place in our society.  Our prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her staff, all who were injured, and their families.  This is a sad day for our country."

Jared Loughner

Reports out of the Associated Press and USA Today profile Loughner as a bizarre college student, who displayed off behavior in class.

According to an Associated Press release, the FBI have been thoroughly searching his online footprints including Myspace and YouTube to look for any hints of his reason behind the alleged action.

On the morning of the shooting is last post on his Myspace read  

"Goodbye."

As well as, "Dear friends, Please don't be mad at me."


A photo from his Myspace page shows a handgun on top of a United States History textbook.

Some of Loughner's rhetoric on the internet was very anti-government and may be a deciding factor in linking him to the premeditated shooting of Giffords.

As of Sunday, Rep. Giffords is in critical condition.  

Loughner is scheduled to appear in court today.