Obama says he is ‘shocked’ by Colorado shooting
President Barack Obama walks down the steps after speaking about the Aurora, Colo., shooting at an event at the Harborside Event Center in Ft. Myers, Fla., Friday, July 20, 2012. Obama, who was scheduled to spend the day campaigning in Florida, canceled his campaign events to return to Washington to monitor the shooting aftermath. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
MANALAPAN, Fla. >> President Barack Obama said today he was "shocked and saddened" by a deadly shooting at a suburban Denver movie theater and urged the nation to "come together as one American family" in the aftermath of the tragedy.
His campaign announced Obama was cutting short a two-day Florida swing and returning to the White House.
Obama said in a statement that he and first lady Michelle Obama were shocked by the "horrific and tragic" shooting. Obama said his administration would do everything they can to support the people of Aurora, Colo.
"As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors," Obama said.
Obama talked about the shooting at a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Fla. He dropped plans to attend a re-election rally at Rollins College in Winter Park, near Orlando.
