Shot US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords to quit
US politician Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head last year, has decided to resign her seat in Congress.
Ms Giffords said she needed to concentrate on recovering from her wounds, but promised to return to a career in public service.
She was attacked by a gunman during a political meeting in Tucson, Arizona on 8 January 2011. Six people died in the incident, including one of her aides.
Suspect Jared Loughner has been declared unfit to stand trial.
Ms Giffords said in a statement that she would resign this week, and that a special primary would be held to decide who will serve the rest of her term in office.
"I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week," she said.
The statement added that Ms Giffords intended to complete the political meeting that was attacked by the gunman, and meet some of the people who attended.
Doctors have said Ms Giffords has made a remarkable recovery from her injuries.
She made her first public appearance since the shooting at a memorial service earlier this month commemorating one year since the attack.
She also attended a crucial vote in the House of Representative last summer to vote in favour of legislation including the raising of the debt ceiling.