In keeping up the tradition that began with the 2011 State of the Union Address , the members of Congress sat with members of the other political party , rather than sitting on separate sides of the room . Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords , who was the victim of an assassination attempt the previous year , was in attendance , as she planned to resign to focus on her rehabilitation from the shooting . President Obama hugged Giffords when he got to her while walking up to the stage , which was met with much applause
an assassination attempt the previous year
2011 Tucson shooting
2012 State of the Union Address