Obama Responds to Colo. Shooting, Cancels Second Event

Susan Walsh/AP Photo

President Obama was notified of the shooting in Aurora, Colorado, by his National Security Advisor for Homeland Security John Brennan at 5:26 a.m.

The president, on a campaign swing, is overnighting at a hotel outside West Palm Beach, Fla., and the White House offered this written statement a short time later:

"Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. 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, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come."

According to a White House statement, Obama has announced that he will address the shooting during his shortened campaign remarks in Fort Myers, Fla., at 11:20 a.m. EST. His second campaign event in WInter Park, Fla., will be cancelled "in light of the tragedy."

- Jake Tapper

This post has been updated.

Read more about the Aurora shooting here.

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