President Obama Speaks Out About Colorado Theater Tragedy
President Obama Began his day on a very sad note. What was expected to be a light day of campaigning in Fort Myers Fla., turned into a statement about the tragic Aurora, Colo., shooting, which claimed the lives of 12 innocent bystanders, and injured 59.
"I was looking forward to having a fun conversation with you," said Obama. "This morning we woke up to news of a tragedy that reminds us of all the ways we are united as one American family."
"We're going to stand by our neighbors in Colorado during this extraordinarily difficult time," he continued. "Such violence, such evil is senseless; it's beyond reason."
According to Commissioner Ray Kelley, the assailant, James Holmes, 24, was a 'deranged' individual. "He had his hair painted red, he said he was 'The Joker,' obviously the enemy of Batman," he said at a press conference.
"If there's anything to take away from this tragedy, it's the reminder that life is very fragile here, time here is limited and it is precious," the president said. "What matters at the end of the day is not the small things; it is not the trivial things ... Ultimately it is how we choose to treat one another and how we love one another."
Before taking a brief moment of silence, Obama reminded us of why we are called the United States of America. "There are going to be other days for politics; this is a day for prayer and reflection," he said and culminated with "This is a time for each of us to look into our hearts and remember how much we love one another. And how much we love, and how much we care for our great country,"
Obama cancelled the remaining of his campaign tour in honor of the shooting victims, and is set to return to Washington D.C., today. Likewise, Vice President Joe Biden, and First Lady Michelle Obama followed suit.