Loughner Indicted by Grand Jury in Tucson Shootings

Loughner, 22, is accused of three counts of attempted murder in an initial three-count indictment, according to a statement today by U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke in Phoenix.

“We are in the early stages of this ongoing investigation,” Burke said in the statement. “Today’s charges are just the beginning of our legal action. We are working diligently to ensure that our investigation is thorough and that justice is done for the victims and their families.”

The suspect was tackled by bystanders after he allegedly opened fire at a community meeting organized by Giffords outside a supermarket in Tucson. Giffords survived a gunshot through the head. The six killed in the attack included U.S. District Judge John Roll and a 9-year-old girl.

Federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint Jan. 9, charging Loughner with murder and attempted murder related to Giffords, Roll and the three other victims who were federal employees. The filing of a grand jury indictment waives the need for a preliminary hearing in which a judge needs to decide whether Loughner should stand trial on those charges.

Loughner is being held without bail in Phoenix and is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 24.

The case is U.S. v. Loughner, 11-00035, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona (Phoenix).