US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head at point-blank range during the Arizona massacre. She remains in intensive care, but is breathing on her own. Doctors remain hopeful about her recovery.

Dr. Michael Lemole, Chief Neurosurgeon, Arizona University Medical Center, said, "She's going to take her recovery at her own pace and I'm very encouraged by the fact that she's done so well.This kind of injury I've said a couple of times, a penetrating injury through the skull, really the survival let alone recovery is abysmal.She has no right to look this good and she does.We're hopeful but I do want to underscore the seriousness of this injury and the fact that we all have to be extremely patient."

Six people were killed during the shooting spree on Sunday morning. 22-year-old gunman Jared Lee Loughner is being held on five federal charges, including the attempted assassination of Giffords. US President Barack Obama plans to visit Arizona on Wednesday to attend a memorial service for those killed.