© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Lone Gunman: Authorities Clear 2nd Suspect in Giffords Shooting

(AP/The Blaze) — Arizona authorities say a second man has been cleared of any involvement in Rep. Gabrielle Giffords shooting.

Pima County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Ogan said Sunday that the man, a suspected accomplice in the shooting Saturday, was not involved.

The office has said a man possibly associated with the suspect who was near the scene was being sought. The man, who was photographed by a security camera, was described as white with dark hair and 40 to 45 years old.

The prime suspect, Jared Loughner, remains in FBI custody has been formally charged for Saturday's shooting spree.  The federal government is charging Loughner with an attempt to kill a member of Congress; two counts of first degree murder; and two counts of attempted murder.  Though six people were killed, the federal government only has jurisdiction to to bring charges for the deaths of federal employees who died Saturday, including one Giffords staffer and a federal judge.  State charges are still pending.

"This was an attack on our institutions and on our way of life," FBI director Mueller told reporters.

Additionally, Mueller noted Sunday that authorities were continuing to investigate possible ties to any hate groups, suggesting there may be a case for hate crimes charges.

Want to leave a tip?

We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?