Giffords shooting victim who held attacker dies

TUCSON, Ariz. — Bill Badger was a hero even before he helped save people’s lives in the Jan. 8, 2011, shooting in a grocery store parking lot that killed six people and injured 13, including former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords.

The Army veteran died Wednesday of pneumonia, according to his wife, Sallie Badger. He was 78.

Badger was shot in the head at a constituent event for Giffords, who was the target of gunman Jared Loughner. But Badger managed to tackle Loughner, helping others hold him down and disarm him before police arrived. Loughner is serving seven consecutive life terms in prison.

Giffords, who lives in Tucson, said she was sad to learn of Badger’s passing.

“Bill was not only a great man and a proud Army veteran, he was a hero,” she said in a statement. “I believe that Bill helped save lives that morning. And I will always be grateful to him for his selfless, brave actions.”

Sallie Badger said it came as no surprise that her husband had risked his life to help others. The retired Army colonel had spent his life doing just that, she said.