January 2011 Current Events: Disasters & Science News

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

World News | Business News | U.S. News

Here are the key events in Science and Disasters news for the month of January 2011.

  • Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Among 17 Shot in Assassination Attempt, Six Killed (Jan. 8): Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords is shot in an assassination attempt in Arizona. She is among at least 17 shot by a gunman who opened fire on the congresswoman's constituent meeting outside a local grocery store. Six people are fatally wounded, including United States District Court Judge John Roll, and a young girl. The gunman, who police identify as Jared Lee Loughner, is apprehended and remains in police custody. Rep. Giffords, who was shot in the head, is hospitalized and in critical condition. (Jan. 9): Loughner is charged with five federal counts for the Arizona shooting spree, including attempted assasination of a member of Congress. Rep. Giffords is still in critical condition, though her doctors are optimistic about her recovery. Authorities believe Loughner acted alone.

  • At Least 8 Die in Australian Flooding (Jan. 10): At least 8 people are dead and over 70 missing after massive flooding ravages Brisbane, Australia. The area has seen weeks of heavy rain and flooding, killing at least 18 people over the past two months. The region had been suffering from drought for 10 years.

  • Bombing in Moscow Airport Kills At Least 35, Wounds 168 (Jan. 24): A suicide bomber kills at least 35 and wounds at least 168 in an attack on a Moscow aiport. The blast occured in the international arrivals section of the airport. Authorities are as yet unsure who masterminded the bombing.

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