Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, along with as many as 18 more injured in a shooting a Tucson area grocery store where the congresswoman has hosting a “Congress on your Corner” public forum.

She was speaking to members of her congressional district around 10:30 AM Mountain Time (12:30 PM ET) at a local Safeway store when a gunman came to where she was and opened fired on the people attending the event.

It was later confirmed by local law enforcement that the suspect was 22-year-old Jarred Loughner, a Tucson local.

There were conflicting reports from many national outlets regarding the status of Rep. Giffords, with several outlets saying she had passed away due to her injuries.

During the press conference held by University Medical Center at the University of Arizona, the UMC representative noted that there 10 people at the UMC being treated for their injuries with 5 people in critical condition and 5 people in the operating room at the time of the conference. The congresswoman’s condition was noted as grave but she was responding well after the surgery. The doctor noted that her injury was a gunshot wound to the head, which went through & through.

There were 4 other victims mentioned as well, being treated at another local hospital and they were listed in stable condition.

President Obama spoke earlier in the day about the situation in Tucson, commenting that he has spoken to Governor Jan Brewer and has offered the full resources of the federal government and expressed sadness over the shootings.

Here in Virginia, many politicians offered messages of condolences to the victims of the shootings and their family & friends. This is from Governor Bob McDonnell’s Press Secretary:

“The Governor is deeply saddened by the news coming from Arizona. His thoughts and prayers are with the Congresswoman, her staff, the other victims, and all their friends and families. This is a tragic and sad day in America.”

Representative Eric Cantor released this statement,

“I was deeply horrified to learn today of the shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords and others in Tucson.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and her family, her staff, and the residents of Tucson on this sad day.   As this serious situation continues to develop, I remain in close communication with leaders of both parties, the Speaker’s office and the Sergeant at Arms.  We will remain in constant communication regarding any schedule changes.”

This from Rep. J. Randy Forbes,

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have had the privilege of working with Representative Giffords on a range of issues related to ensuring that our nation’s military remains the finest military in the world. She and her family remain in my prayers as details of this senseless act unfold. This is a tragic day for our nation.”

Out of respect to the medical efforts At University of Arizona Medical Center, the basketball game that was scheduled for this evening was postponed until tomorrow.

Also, the Governor asked for flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of those who were lost in this tragic event. Among the victims were U.S. District Court Judge John Roll & an unidentified young child. Judge John Roll has a connection to Virginia, as he was a UVA Law School Graduate.

WVCW will have continuing coverage as this story develops.