The single bullet that was shot by the gunman did not pass through both hemispheres, this is fortunate for Giffords, doctors said, as the bullet entered through the back of her skull on her left side and exited through the front.

The congresswoman now faces swelling, a grave danger. For this surgeons have removed about half of her skull on the left side to alleviate the pressure.

Giffords was able to hold up two fingers at the request of doctors before the surgery began, Rhee said, and she was able to follow the same command as of Sunday morning.

All other victims brought to UMC have been upgraded from intensive care. Three remain in serious condition, according to hospital officials.