U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke mentioned that the three charges are just the beginning of legal action against Loughner.
"This case also involves potential death-penalty charges, and Department [of Justice] rules require us to pursue a deliberate and thorough process," said Burke in a public statement.
Authorities are claiming that Loughner plotted the assassination several weeks in advance. Critics are stating that harsh language being used in the political environment in Washington DC contributed to the shooting itself. Even the Sheriff of Pima County, Clarence Dupnik, went out of his way to cite bigotry as part of the reason that Loughner shot Giffords.
Loughner purchased a 9-millimeter Glock pistol at a Tucson Sportsman's Warehouse five weeks before the shooting. Investigators also found two pieces of evidence when searching Loughner's home: a letter from Giffords thanking Loughner for attending one of her events in August 2007 and an envelope with the words "I planned ahead," "My assassination" and the name "Giffords" on it.
Authorities claim that Loughner fired 31 bullets and hit 20 people. He was tackled when he stopped to reload. The Giffords shooting has sent off alarm bells for politicians all across America and has also led the public to ask if the political environment has become too hostile. There is also evidence that Loughner showed signs of mental illness in his past, leading to a public debate regarding how to respond when someone reveals the potential for serious aggression.
Another interesting thing about the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords is that one has to wonder if there is going to be a meaningful debate on gun control after this tragedy has subsided. The African American community is disproportionately affected by gun violence, with much of this violence being committed using guns that have been bought and sold illegally. Even since the death of Giffords, black people around the country have been killed by guns that have been bought illegally and it's time to start becoming serious about gun control instead of allowing the profitability of gun manufacturers to trump the value of human life. If this incident doesn't wake us up, then almost nothing will.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.