Fox News reports that Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, speaking at a press conference about the shocking attack on Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords, said he is “not convinced he acted alone.” He is looking for a second suspect, described as a white male in his 50s.
CNN reports investigators are “actively in pursuit” of this second individual. Authorities say they are not certain what his connection to Jared Loughner, the 22-year-old shooter, might be, but he was apparently seen in Loughner’s company immediately before the shooting occurred.
New details released by authorities reveal the carnage might have been even worse, but two people in the crowd heroically tackled Loughner. CNN identifies his weapon as a 9mm Glock with a 30-round magazine. The death toll stands at six, including 9-year-old Christina Greene and federal district Judge John Roll. A total of 19 people were shot during the attack, and several are still in critical condition at the university hospital.
Giffords herself is in intensive care, but is expected to survive. She was shot in the head, but the round passed through her temple and exited her forehead without inflicting fatal damage. Her surgeons are optimistic about her chances of recovery. Late reports indicate she has regained consciousness, and recognized her husband, astronaut and Navy Captain Mark Kelly, at her bedside.
Local reports from Arizona say that a “suspicious package” was discovered at Giffords’ headquarters in Tucson tonight, prompting police to evacuate the area. Authorities say something was written on the device, but they have not yet disclosed what the writing said.
