Blue Dog Democrat and supporter of tight border security Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona  was shot in the head while an unknown number of others were killed or wounded Saturday when an assailant opened fire in an area where the lawmaker was meeting with constituents in Tucson, a source in Maricopa County, Arizona told the Law Enforcement Examiner.

The source, a former member of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, told the Law Enforcement Examiner that one of the victims died soon after the attack, and others were taken to a nearby hospital. The source said the wounded included some of Gifford’s aides who were with her at the time.

Since there allegedly were 15 shots fired during the attack, it’s believed the shooter used a semiautomatic weapon. The former prosecutor who described the events did so on condition of anonymity.

Police officials reported that the FBI and local law enforcement were investigating the attack, which took place while Giffords was greeting local residents outside the Tucson supermarket.

The 40-year old Giffords — who’s married to former US astronaut Mike Kelly — won her third term last November thanks to her conservative record. Her political career includes service in Arizona’s House of Representatives and the state Senate winning a seat in Washington, DC.

Giffords reportedly focused on immigration reform, military issues, and alternative energy while serving in Congress. Recently, Giffords called for more Border Patrol agents and the extension of President Barack Obama’s National Guard deployment at the border.

Ironically, Secretary of  Homeland Security Janet Napolitano — the former governor of Arizona — visited the Afghanistan-Pakistan border last week along with six additional Customs and Border Protection officials who will join DHS personnel already deployed in the region to provide civilian assistance to local security officials in protecting the Afghan-Pakistani border.

She’s is being criticized by many in law enforcement for her lack of attention to the border problems in her own country as she visited several countries including Israel. Napolitano’s office released a press statement this afternoon:  “I am deeply saddened by reports that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Chief Judge John Roll and others were attacked today in Tucson, Arizona.  There is no place in our society or discourse for such senseless and unconscionable acts of violence.  Gabby is a steadfast representative for southern Arizona and both she and John are dedicated public servants.

“The Department of Homeland Security has offered all possible assistance to the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, who are leading the investigation. My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords, her family and staff, and all those who were injured in this difficult time.”