At DNC, Giffords calls on Americans to speak out to combat gun violence

WASHINGTON — Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords called on Americans to speak out to combat gun violence in an emotional speech shown at the Democratic National Convention.

Struggling to speak herself, Giffords recounted her difficulty recovering from the 2011 shooting that nearly took her life.

“Confronted by paralysis and aphasia, I responded with grit and determination," she said. "My recovery is a daily fight, but fighting makes me stronger."

The former congresswoman added: “Words once came easily. Today I struggle to speak. But I have not lost my voice.

"America needs us all to speak out, even when you have to fight to find the words."

Since the shooting, Giffords has become a leading gun control advocate and frequently speaks out on the issue. She told viewers that Joe Biden was there for her after the shooting and that they must participate in the November election to be “on the right side of history.”

“We can let the shooting continue, or we can act,” she said, adding: “We can vote.”