At least 12 people were killed and 50 wounded when a gunman opened fire during an early Friday morning screening of the new Batman movie at an Aurora, Colorado, theater, a police official told reporters.

President Barack Obama issued the following statement responding to Friday's shooting in Colorado.

"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."

President Obama cut short a r-eelection campaign visit to Florida so he could return to the White House in view of what he called a "senseless" killing, according The Washington Post.

"There's going to be other days for politics," Obama added. "This, I think, is a day for prayer and reflection." He then led the audience in a moment of silence "for the victims of this terrible tragedy" and for "all the victims of less publicized acts of violence that plague our communities every single day," continues the report.

Obama was informed of the massacre at 5:26 a.m. in Palm Beach, Florida by Homeland Security Adviser John O. Brennan, White House press secretary Jay Carney said.

Carney told reporters that Obama "wants to be back in Washington to get further updates" on the shooting.

Tags
Colorado shooting, President Obama