The Hill News

President Obama told Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) she was an "inspiration" to the nation one year after she was shot in a Tucson parking lot along with 18 other people.

According to the White House, Obama called Giffords on Sunday's anniversary, telling her that he and the first lady are still mourning the dead, and keep her and the families of the victims in their daily thoughts and prayers.

He also "expressed amazement" at her "courage and determination," according to a White House readout of the call.

Tucson is preparing for a candlenight vigil to commemorate the shooting, which left six people dead. Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, returned to the Safeway parking lot where she was shot for the first time Saturday.

Jared Lee Loughner, the man accused by the federal government of the shooting, is still in custody awaiting trial.