President Obama asking for a moment of silence a short time ago in Fort Myers, Florida at what was scheduled to be a campaign rally but instead turned into a venue for the president to address the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado:
"This morning, we woke up to news of a tragedy that reminds us of all the ways we are united as one American family," the president said. "There are going to be other days for politics, but this is a day for prayer and reflection." He then asked for a moment of silence "for the victims of this terrible tragedy ... and for all the victims of less publicized acts of violence that plague our communities. "I'm sure many of you who are parents here had the same reaction as I did when I heard this news. My daughters go to the movies. What if Malia and Sasha had been at the theater, as so many of our kids do every day. Michelle and I will be fortunate enough to hug our girls a little tighter tonight, and I am sure you will do the same with your children. But for those parents who may not be so lucky, we have to embrace them, and let them know we will be there for them as a nation."
President Obama said he had spoken with the Aurora's mayor and Colorado's governor and that the federal government was fully engaged in helping local authorities.
You can read a full transcript of the president's remarks here.
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