Obama Cancels Second Campaign Event In Light Of Aurora Shooting

The campaign announced the decision in a press release saying that in light of the tragedy, the president will instead address the shooting during his shortened campaign remarks in Fort Myers, Fla., at 11:20 a.m. EDT.

According to an ABC News report, the president received news of the shooting from John Brennan, his homeland security adviser, overnight at a hotel near West Palm Beach, Fla., where he was staying in preparation for campaign events throughout the state Friday.

Shortly thereafter, the White House issued a brief statement: Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. 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, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.

Meanwhile, Mitt Romney said he was deeply saddened by the shooting that took place during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises, calling the shooting senseless violence. ... 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.

Although Business Insider reported Romney has canceled all planned interviews today, CNN said the Republican presidential candidate will continue with a planned campaign event in Bow, N.H., at 12:10 p.m. EDT, when Romney plans to address the shooting in detail.