Senate to hold first hearing on gun violence since Sandy Hook shootings

Mark Kelly and Executive Director of the NRA scheduled to testify

CREATED Jan. 30, 2013

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  • Familiar faces from Southern Arizona will take the stand today on Capitol Hill. Video by 1041thetruth.com

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  • Shot and seriously wounded as she began her third term in office, Rep.Gabby Giffords says there won't be a fourth term -- for now. She is seen here with her husband Mark Kelly.

Reporter: Justin Schecker

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Familiar faces from Southern Arizona will take the stand today on Capitol Hill. 

Mark Kelly, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' husband, will speak at the Senate's first hearing on gun violence since the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School last month.

POLITICO reported Giffords will make a surprise appearence and deliver the opening statement.  

Kelly and Giffords launched a new lobby group called Americans for Responsible Solutions on the second anniversary of the Jan. 8 shootings in Tucson. 

"I defended the second amendment flying in combat over Iraq and Kuwait, you know, defending our country," Kelly said. "I own a gun. This really isn't about the Second Amendment."

The executive director of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, is also scheduled to testify this morning.

The NRA released a portion of his prepared testimony: "Law-abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deranged criminals nor do we believe the government should dictate what we can lawfully own and use to protect our families."

Kelly and Giffords want to hear what ideas you have for curbing gun violence. Here is the link to their survey.