Arizona's Gabby Giffords to meet with Newtown families

Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is expected to meet privately with families of children killed in the Newtown school shooting, according to media reports.

Giffords met with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week, posting on her Facebook account "Nice to visit with Mayor Bloomberg while we are in NYC." Both Bloomberg and Giffords have been strong advocates of strengthened gun control.

Both ABC and NBC news sites have reported that Gifford will meet Friday with families in Newtown. NBC reported that Giffords will be at a home in Newtown for a private event, according to a spokesperson for Connecticut Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman's office. The event is not open to the public.

Giffords was a U.S. Representative from Arizona when was shot in the head at a campaign event in a Tucson shopping mall two years ago. Six people were killed, including a 9-year-old girl. Giffords and 15 other people were wounded. Gunman Jared Loughner was sentenced to life in prison in November. Giffords resigned from her position in 2012. She continues her recovery and rehabilitation from the gunshot wound.

In a posting on her Facebook account the day of the Newtown shooting, Gifford shared this from her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly.

"As we mourn, we must sound a call for our leaders to stand up and do what is right. This time our response must consist of more than regret, sorrow, and condolence. The children of Sandy Hook Elementary School and all victims of gun violence deserve leaders who have the courage to participate in a meaningful discussion about our gun laws - and how they can be reformed and better enforced to prevent gun violence and death in America. This can no longer wait."