Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was injured in an Arizona parking lot in January 2011, spoke today at the opening of the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on gun violence. Her remarks:

Thank you for inviting me here today. This is an important conversation for our children, for our communities, for Democrats and Republicans. Speaking is difficult, but I need to say something important. Violence is a big problem. Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something. It will be hard but the time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you. Thank you.

Watch her remarks below...

...and stay tuned for much more on our live blog of the hearings.

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J.K. Trotter