The Hill News

The condition of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) continues to improve, one of her doctors said Wednesday.

In a brief press conference, University Medical Center Trauma and Critical Care Director Dr. Peter Rhee said that Giffords continued to show signs of recovery and that while her condition could always decline rapidly, she had only been making progress thus far.

"None of the downward events have occurred at this time," Rhee said.

Rhee noted that Giffords's progress has allowed the hospital to reduce her level of sedation.

"We have really decreased the amount of sedation that we have given her," Rhee continued. "As a result of that she's becoming more and more spontaneous all the time."

Six people died and more than a dozen were injured in the assassination attempt on Giffords on Saturday. Rhee said that UMC is still caring for six patients. One is in critical condition, two are in serious condition, and the rema! ining three are in fair condition, he said.