Biden Eulogizes Former Congresswoman Who Is Still Living: ‘Was My Friend’

President Joe Biden astonished America again when he seemingly eulogized former Democratic Congresswoman Gabby Giffords during a speech in Arizona. The statement left many confused, as Giffords, though severely injured in a 2011 mass shooting, is still very much alive.

The moment occurred on Friday while Biden was praising Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Giffords’ husband, as he referred to her as though she were deceased.

“Thank you to Sen. Mark Kelly, a great friend who also was married to an incredible woman who was my friend,” Biden said.

Giffords, a former U.S. Representative from Arizona, served in Congress from 2007 to 2012. In January 2011, Giffords survived a tragic assassination attempt during a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona.

WATCH:

The attack caused a severe brain injury, which eventually led to her stepping down from her congressional role. After her recovery, Giffords emerged as a leading voice for gun safety reform.

Ironically, in July 2022, Biden awarded Giffords the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring her for her bravery and dedication to public service.

The slip-up drew immediate reactions, with some on social media questioning Biden’s mental acuity—a frequent topic of conversation among his critics.

President Biden eulogized former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords today. It was very moving, touching. There’s just one problem. Giffords is still alive.

— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) October 25, 2024

The unintended eulogy comes amid a series of stumbles and misstatements that have fueled bipartisan criticism, ultimately leading to Biden stepping down.

(POLL: Should Pelosi Be Banned From Trading Stocks?)

REACTIONS:

Dudes lost it. All of it

— Hunter Eagleman™ (@Hunter_Eagleman) October 25, 2024

He can’t tell the difference between live and dead

— Thomas J. Trahan (@tjtrahan) October 25, 2024

He wasn’t saying she’s dead. He’s just saying he no longer has any friends since he endorsed Kamala.

— denonccs (@denonccs) October 25, 2024

Biden is being kept off the campaign trail for a reason

— Hi, I’m KellyJo 🙋🏽‍♀️🇺🇸 (@BiologicalWoma2) October 25, 2024

He’s cooked.

Why he’s out and about, I am not sure, but they should leave him on a beach somewhere.

— Thomas Musket ⓒ (@ThomasMusket) October 25, 2024