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First Word: ‘Time is now’ for gun control

Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords testified on Capitol Hill today. (Photo by J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords testified on Capitol Hill today. (Photo by J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

In a surprising appearance Wednesday, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., gave a brief, emotional statement to the Senate Judiciary committee, urging Congress to quickly address the nation’s problem of gun violence. “We must do something. It will be hard but the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you.” Shortly after Giffords’ opening remarks, her husband, Mark Kelly testified in the Senate hearing and pushed for gun law reforms as someone who is both “pro-gun ownership” and “anti-gun violence.”