The former congresswoman who survived a mass shooting is endorsing Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton for president because of her strong commitment to gun control.
Gabby Giffords, who now heads the gun control group Americans for Responsible Solutions, announced Sunday she and her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, will back Clinton.
The endorsement is a blow to Clinton’s rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), who many see as soft on guns.
“Most of the people running for president talk a lot about how tough they are. But most of them have shown they aren’t tough enough to stand up to the gun lobbyists,” said Giffords, a Democrat who formerly represented Arizona.
“Only one candidate for president has the determination and toughness to stand up to the corporate gun lobby — and the record to prove it,” she added. “That candidate is Hillary Clinton.
“Time and time again, Hillary has done and said what is right, not what is politically expedient,” Giffords said. “That’s why we are supporting her for president of the United States.”
Giffords was shot in the head five years ago while speaking with constituents in Tucson, Ariz. She survived, but six others died and another 12 were injured. She was forced to retire from Congress.
Since then, Giffords has become one of the most recognizable gun control advocates in the country.