PRESIDENT OBAMA: Obviously all of us are still grieving and in shock from the tragedy that took place. Gabby Giffords and others are still fighting to recover. Families are still absorbing the enormity of their losses. We have a criminal investigation that is ongoing and charges that no doubt will be brought against the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
I think it’s important for us to also focus, though, on the extraordinary courage that was shown during the course of these events: a 20-year-old college student who ran into the line of fire to rescue his boss; a wounded woman who helped secure the ammunition that might have caused even more damage; the citizens who wrestled down the gunman. Part of what I think that speaks to is the best of America, even in the face of such mindless violence.
And so, in the coming days we’re going to have a lot of time to reflect. Right now, the main thing we’re doing is to offer our thoughts and prayers to those who’ve been impacted, making sure that we’re joining together and pulling together as a country. And as President of the United States, but also as a father, obviously I’m spending a lot of time just thinking about the families and reaching out to them.
The Obama Diary 
Grief. Courage.
As I emailed to one of my daughters this morning, I’m not stopping with grief, but revving up some courage. I may be 80 years old, but I’m still alive, I can write letters and sign petitions and donate and I’m starting right now to contact my solidly Republican delegation, before this dismissed as beyond help. Surely these people cannot condone the vitriol that has resulted in such horror and yet has become the norm in our political dialog. Unfortunately, one of them is a Teapartier.
wow, joan, i didn’t know you were a great grandma. you are sharper than this neophyte typing away. lol.
You Go Girl! I will be actively doing the same.
I take care of my mother who is also 80, but despite not enjoying your vitality, is a beautiful light in my life. She loves President Obama and First Lady Michelle, and this website is shared with her ritually. She is no longer able to articulate verbally, but much is shared between us in other ways. She has been a great comfort to me in these last 2 days because, my Mother has always been willing and able to assuage my tears.
Virtual hugs to you. And thanks for the energy you are investing on behalf of our future generations!
Wow Joan, you put us all to shame! Thank you for gracing us with your with your presence and wisdom. We are blessed to travel this road with you. Much blessings!
He always says just the right, most appropriate thing. His heart is always so well placed, so on the mark. Thank you Mr. President for truly being the Adult in the Room- consistently.
I read an article this morning, at Slate, via MSN (something I’ve rarely done) and the writer (a Mr. Shafer) wrote several paragraphs falling all over himself defending violent rhetoric.. it was sickening. Some folks will not learn, will never feel someone else’s loss or pain, they are missing an ingredient that allows for them to change their behavior bacause it causes others distress or harm. Empathy, recognition of “there but for the grace of…. go I”. So this writer continues on with the attitude that because we’ve always had violent speech blended with our politics- we should continue to have violent speech in our politics.. and oh yeah by the way- theres no proof that this killer was politically motivated, Mr. Shafer even basically calls out the Pima County Sheriff. Who is closer to this investigation than this Sheriff? If he – the Sheriff is saying hate speech contributed to this young man’s killing spree, then by gosh he sure as heck ought to know. Why must people be so determined to defend the indefensible? It is time we stopped doing the same old ignorant crap in this country.
Higuys, I’m still feeling shock, anxiety, and depression as I always do at times like this. I still really don’t know what I think about it other than this was horrifying & senseless. It takes a while for me to reason out all the information involved. I hope your all doing well, especially hardworking Chipsticks, who has continued blogging faithfully throughout. Good for you and your followers. I think the president is handling this well as usual.
Everyone has my thoughts and prayers and I believe Giffords will survive!
And so do I, edjane,
I have not stopped praying, and I never will.
Yes,majii! thank you! America and the World with prayers!
Prayers go out to all those affected by this heinous crime