No intention to move Arizona shooting trial: Justice Dept

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Ivonne Gaitan (L) and Miciela Sahner embrace at a memorial for U.S. congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and other victims at University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona January 17, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Eric Thayer

WASHINGTON | Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:57pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There are no plans to move from Arizona the trial venue of the suspect in the Tucson shooting that killed six and wounded 13 others including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the Department of Justice said on Tuesday.
After saturation media coverage of the event and federal judges in Arizona recusing themselves, there was some media speculation the trial would be moved to another state.
However, Department of Justice officials threw cold water on those suggestions.
"The department plans to bring the case in Arizona and will oppose any change of venue motions," DOJ spokesman Matthew Miller said.
"Federal law dictates these offenses be tried in the District (where the crime occurred). The Justice Department is moving forward in a manner consistent with the law," spokeswoman Jessica Smith said in an emailed statement.
Jared Lee Loughner, 22, has been charged with five federal counts for allegedly firing into a crowd outside a Tucson grocery store. Among those he killed was federal judge John Roll. Congresswoman Giffords remains in hospital in critical condition.