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A source close to former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Shuttle Commander Mark Kelly tells ABC News exclusively that both Giffords and Kelly will be at the sentencing of Tucson gunman Jared Loughner Thursday.

It is expected that Kelly will make a statement in court on behalf of the couple with Giffords standing at his side.

This will be the first time the couple see Loughner in person.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Giffords was shot in the head while meeting constituents at an Arizona supermarket. In August 2012, Loughner pleaded guilty to the mass shooting that left six dead.

Giffords, who made a remarkable recovery, stepped down from the House in January 2012.