Giffords leaves

Representative Gabrielle Giffords, shot in the head in a shooting spree in Tucson a year ago, said yesterday she will step down this week from the US Congress to focus on her recovery,

“I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week,” Giffords said, posting the announcement on social media such as Twitter and YouTube.

“I’m getting better. Every day my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country. Thank you very much,” she added.