Loughner indicted in Arizona shooting of US congresswoman Giffords

Tucson (Arizona, US), Jan 20(ANI): A federal grand jury has indicted Jared Lee Loughner for attempting to assassinate US Democratic Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

Giffords, and 18 others were shot on January 8 when 22-year-old Loughner opened fire at a "Congress on Your Corner" event in Arizona where she was meeting with her constituents.

Loughner was also charged with two counts of attempting to murder Giffords' congressional aides, Ron Barber and Pam Simon, U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke announced.

Those charges carry maximum sentences of life in prison and 20 years, respectively.he 22-year-old has also been charged with killing District Judge John Roll and Giffords aide Gabe Zimmerman. If indicted in those killings, Loughner would face the death penalty.

"Justice Department rules require us to pursue a deliberate and thorough process," the Washington Post quoted Burke, as saying in a statement.

"Today's charges are just the beginning of our legal action. We are working diligently to ensure that our investigation is thorough and that justice is done for the victims and their families," he added.

Lougher is also likely to face state murder charges in the deaths of the four others who were not federal employees. (ANI)