Gabby Giffords: 'You must act' to curb gun violence

Former Arizona representative Gabrielle Giffords has appeared at a Senate panel on curbing gun violence, telling senators "you must act".

Ms Giffords was injured after being shot in the head at a 2011 meeting with constituents, where six people died.

She and her husband Mark Kelly have recently founded a group, American for Responsible Solutions, to back lawmakers who support tighter gun restrictions.

"Speaking is difficult, but I need to say something important," Ms Giffords said. "The time is now. You must act. Be bold. Be courageous. Americans are counting on you."