Gabby Giffords visits NJ to discuss gun violence against women

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords met with Gov. Chris Christie in New Jersey on Wednesday after a talk with lawmakers, residents and advocates about how to protect women from gun violence.

Giffords sat down for a round-table discussion at the Statehouse and talked to the governor afterward behind closed doors for about a half hour.

During the public discussion, Giffords said dangerous people with guns are a threat to women and women can lead the way on changing the laws.

The meeting came about after state Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation requiring convicted domestic abusers to surrender their guns. It drew a dozen women, including Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera.

Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts said in a statement: "Governor Christie has incredible respect and admiration for the courage and perseverance of former Congresswoman Giffords and he was honored to have the opportunity to meet with her this afternoon and discuss domestic violence and gun violence issues."

Giffords survived a gunshot to the head on Jan. 8, 2011, when a man opened fire in Tucson, Arizona, killing six people.

She and her husband, Mark Kelly, launched Americans for Responsible Solutions in 2012, and have traveled the country pushing for legislation to address gun violence.

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Frm. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Joins Mosquera & Weinberg in Roundtable Discussion on Gun & Domestic Violence Prevention from NJ Assembly Democratic Office on Vimeo.