Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and husband Mark Kelly met with family members of the victims of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting on Friday.

On Wednesday the Democrat met with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at City Hall to discuss the need for tougher gun control in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting which claimed the lives of 26 people, 20 of whom were children on December 14 last.

Giffords survived a shooting at a campaign event in Tucson on January 8, 2011, that left six dead and many more wounded.  The former Arizona congresswoman received a gunshot wound to the head and has made a remarkable recovery over the past two years.

Following the massacre in Newtown, Giffords' husband, retired Nasa astronaut Mark Kelly, wrote a Facebook post on behalf of his wife and himself, urging action on gun violence:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the entire community of Newtown, CT. I just spoke to Gabby, and she sends her prayers from Tucson.”

“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.”