Obama calls for prayer, reflection

President Obama turned a campaign event in Fort Myers, Fla., into a moment of silence, calling on participants to pray for the victims of a Colorado shooting. "This morning, we woke up to news of a tragedy that reminds us of all the ways we are united as one American family," Obama said of the mass shooting during a midnight showing of "The Dark Night Rises," the latest Batman movie, at a theater complex in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people died and dozens more were injured. "While we may never understand what leads anyone to terrorize their fellow human beings like this," Obama said, "we do know what makes life worth living." Obama had several campaign events scheduled in Florida, but canceled them after receiving word of the shootings. "I am so grateful that all of you are here. I am so moved by your support," Obama said. "But there are going to be other days for politics. This, I think, is a day of prayer and reflection." As parents, Obama said he and his wife, Michelle, will "be fortunate enough to hug our girls a little tighter tonight." Obama asked for a moment of silence. It was broken by the cries of a baby. "I hope all of you will keep the people of Aurora in your hearts and minds today," Obama said. "May the lord bring them comfort and healing." As a result of the day's events, Obama asked the audience to "spend a little time thinking about incredible blessings that God has given us." While the facts were still being gathered, the federal government "stands ready to do whatever is necessary" to bring the perpetrator of "this heinous crime" to justice," Obama said to rousing applause. He said he spoke to both the Aurora mayor and the governor of Colorado. If anything, an incident such as the one in Aurora shows that "life is very fragile," Obama said. "Our time here is limited and is precious. What matters at the end of the day is not the small things, not the trivial things ... [but] how we chose to treat one another and how we love one another." Vice President Joe Biden and first lady Michelle Obama also canceled events Friday. Presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney called the attack "senseless." "We are praying for the families and loved ones of the victims during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice," Romney said.