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| Gabrielle Giffords launches gun control campaign | Gabrielle Giffords launches gun control campaign |
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| A former US congresswoman who survived a gunshot wound to her head during a mass shooting has launched a campaign against gun violence. | A former US congresswoman who survived a gunshot wound to her head during a mass shooting has launched a campaign against gun violence. |
| Gabrielle Giffords' Americans for Responsible Solutions initiative aims to raise money for gun control efforts. | Gabrielle Giffords' Americans for Responsible Solutions initiative aims to raise money for gun control efforts. |
| It comes as the White House holds talks with groups representing gun-owners, victims and the video game industry. | It comes as the White House holds talks with groups representing gun-owners, victims and the video game industry. |
| A school shooting in December that killed 20 children and six adults has fuelled debate over gun violence. | A school shooting in December that killed 20 children and six adults has fuelled debate over gun violence. |
| Ms Giffords wrote, with her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, in USA Today on Tuesday: "In response to a horrific series of shootings... Congress has done something quite extraordinary - nothing at all." | |
| The couple also highlight the influence of the gun lobby, adding: "Achieving reforms to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings will mean matching gun lobbyists in their reach and resources." | The couple also highlight the influence of the gun lobby, adding: "Achieving reforms to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings will mean matching gun lobbyists in their reach and resources." |
| The announcement of the initiative marks two years exactly since Ms Giffords was shot during a meeting with constituents in Tucson, Arizona. | |
| On Friday, the former congresswoman visited Newtown, Connecticut, where the elementary school shooting occurred, and met families of the victims. | On Friday, the former congresswoman visited Newtown, Connecticut, where the elementary school shooting occurred, and met families of the victims. |
| Connecticut Representative DebraLee Hovey, who represents Newtown in the state legislature, was criticised after she wrote on Facebook: "Gabby Gifford [sic] stay out of my towns!!" The politician has since apologised. | Connecticut Representative DebraLee Hovey, who represents Newtown in the state legislature, was criticised after she wrote on Facebook: "Gabby Gifford [sic] stay out of my towns!!" The politician has since apologised. |
| Ms Giffords and Mr Kelly also recently met New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a vocal gun control advocate. | |
| In the wake of the shooting at last month's Sandy Hook elementary school, some pro-gun lawmakers have said they are reconsidering their views. | |
| The White House has pledged to look for ways to curb gun violence and is due to make proposals by the end of January. | |
| Vice-President Joe Biden, who is leading the White House effort, is scheduled to meet gun violence victims groups and gun safety organisations on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. | |
| He is due to hold discussions with other groups throughout the week. | |
| President Barack Obama has called on Congress to reinstate a ban on assault weapons, restrict availability of high-magazine clips and close a loophole allowing private gun sales to proceed without a background check. |