Giffords’ staffer hurt in shooting returns to work

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A staffer for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is returning to work for the first time since being seriously injured in the Tucson mass shooting.

Ron Barber was shot in the cheek and thigh during the Jan. 8 attack, which killed six people and injured 13, including Barber and Giffords.

The 65-year-old has spent the past six months undergoing extensive physical therapy and coping with the trauma of the shooting.

He is set to return to work at Giffords’ Tucson office on a part-time basis today as he continues rehab.

The gunshot that hit Barber’s cheek exited the back of his neck and barely missed his spinal column, while the shot that hit his thigh caused him more serious medical problems and has hindered his ability to walk.