After a gunman killed 12 people and injured dozens more at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie Thursday night, politicians and the public reacted with shock and sadness.
Joining Daily Rundown Friday morning, Rep. Ed Perlmutter, who represents Aurora as part of District 7 in Colorado, described the area as a typical suburban community just outside of Denver. He decried the "crazed son-of-a-gun" who had done this. Authorities have identified the suspect as 24-year-old James Holmes. He is in police custody.
"On my way out, all I saw were bodies," said Jennifer Seeger, an eyewitness who was in the theater when the shooting began, to Chuck Todd on Daily Rundown. "It was pure chaos."
Both presidential candidates have issued statements expressing condolences to the victims and their families. President Obama spoke from Florida this morning where he shortened a campaign trip given the tragedy.
"There are going to be other days for politics," the president said from Fort Myers. "This is a day for prayer and reflection."
Republican candidate for president Mitt Romney is also expected to scale back campaign activities today, Todd reported. A series of radio interviews he taped have been put on hold.
Both campaigns pulled their TV advertising in Colorado as well, msnbc reported.
President Barack Obama:
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.
Mitt Romney statement:
Ann and I are deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence that took the lives of 15 people in Colorado and injured dozens more. 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.
On Twitter, politicians tweeted out their condolences.
ChrisMurphyCT Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)
Stunned and heartbroken at the awful violence in Colorado last night.My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and their communities
NancyPelosi Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) / Minority Leader of House
Our thoughts + prayers are w/ Coloradans as they grapple with the random, senseless act of violence that took the lives of innocent people.
Kevin McCarthy Rep. McCarthy (R-CA) /GOP Whip
I am shocked and saddened by the news of the #TheaterShooting -- my prayers are w/ the families involved & the Colorado community.
D Wasserman Schultz Rep. Wasserman Schultz / DNC Chair
As a mom, I keep thinking,"My kids go to the movies all the time." Heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, senseless tragedy in #Aurora, CO.
cbrangel Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)
May peace be with the families and friends of the innocent victims of the tragic shooting in Colorado. America joins you in mourning.
Scott P. Brown Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA)
My thoughts and prayers are with the families in Colorado – deeply saddened by this unspeakable tragedy.