Breaking from an evening of Democratic fundraising in Chicago, President Obama tonight offered prayers for the victims of the latest Fort Hood shooting and vowed to "get to the bottom of what happened."

"Obviously, this reopens the pain of what happened at Fort Hood five years ago," Obama said during an impromptu appearance before reporters inside the Chicago Cut Steakhouse.

"We know these families. We know their incredible service to our country and the sacrifices that they make," he said. "Obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community, and we are going to do everything we can to make sure the community of Fort Hood has what it needs to deal with a tough situation, but also any potential aftermath."

(Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

Obama described the situation as "fluid," saying the administration was still ascertaining the facts from the Pentagon and FBI.

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"We're heartbroken that something like this might have happened again," he said. "The folks there have sacrificed so much on behalf of our freedom. Many of the people there have been on multiple tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. They served with valor. They served with distinction. And when they're at their home base, they need to feel safe.

"We don't yet know what happened tonight, but obviously that sense of safety has been broken once again," he said.

After making the statement, the president proceeded to a dinner reception at a private residence in Chicago to raise money for the Democratic National Committee. A DNC official said roughly 55 guests paid up to $10,000 each to attend.