President Barack Obama says he is "shocked and saddened" by a deadly shooting at a suburban Denver movie theater. He is urging the nation to "come together as one American family."

President Barack Obama
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Obama says he and first lady Michelle Obama were shocked by the "horrific and tragic" Denver shooting. Obama says his administration will do everything they can to support the people of Aurora, Colo.

His campaign announced Obama was cutting short a two-day Florida swing and returning to the White House.

"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," Obama said.

Aides said Obama would address the shooting at a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida. But he dropped plans to attend a re-election rally at Rollins College in Winter Park, near Orlando.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said in a statement that he and his wife, Ann, were "deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence" that led to the loss of life and injuries. He said they were 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."

A gunman opened fire early Friday at a theater on the opening night of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." Authorities say 12 people were killed and at least 50 others were injured. Police originally said 14 people died in the attack but later revised the death toll.

The FBI said there was no indication that the shooting had any connection to terrorism.

Obama was in Florida at the time of the shooting. The White House says Obama was informed of the shooting by his Homeland Security Adviser, John Brennan, at 5:26 a.m. EDT.

(The Associated Press 2012)

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Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says she is saddened by the deadly shootings in a suburban Denver movie theater, and she has instructed her department to provide any necessary support for the investigation.

Napolitano says federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are responding to the event.

Officials have a man in custody and believe he killed 12 people when he fired into a crowded movie theater.

 

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