President Barack Obama is bringing words of comfort and sympathy to grieving families of victims of the shooting rampage in Roseburg, Oregon.

He also will mute his message about new action against gun violence as he visits an area where firearms are popular. The White House says the visit is strictly about offering condolences.

Obama will talk private with family members Friday at the start of a four-day West Coast trip.

Eight community college students and a teacher were killed before the gunman fatally shot himself in front of his victims after he was wounded by police.

The visit is taking place in staunchly conservative Douglas County, which is bristling with gun owners who use their weapons for hunting, target shooting and self-protection.

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