Obama, Romney and Giffords React to Colorado Theater Shootings, and More

Obama, Romney Pause Campaigns:

The caustic tone that campaign 2012 has taken will be put to rest — at least for now — in the aftermath of one of the worst mass shootings in the U.S. Twelve people were killed and dozens more injured when a suspect opened fire at a midnight screening of the new Batman film in Aurora, Colo., early Friday morning. President Obama and Mitt Romney used their previously scheduled campaign stops to discuss the slayings. Obama: “There are going to be other days for politics. This, I think, is a day for prayer and reflection.” Romney: “Our hearts break with the sadness of this unspeakable tragedy, and I join the president and first lady and all Americans in offering our deepest condolences for those whose lives were shattered in a few moments of evil in Colorado.” (Read more)

Giffords ‘Horrified’ by Colorado Killings: Mark Kelly, husband of former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, said he and his wife were “horrified” to learn about the Colorado shootings. Kelly tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.” Giffords was among those shot last year when a gunman opened fire at an event she was holding in Tucson. Six people in attendance were killed, including a young girl. (Read more)

Bloomberg Talks Gun Control: In the wake of the Colorado slayings, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg called on Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to outline plans that would improve gun control. Neither the president nor Romney broached the issue during their public appearances Friday. Said Bloomberg: “You know, soothing words are nice, but maybe it’s time that the two people who want to be president of the United States stand up and tell us what they are going to do about it, because this is obviously a problem across the country.” (Read more)

ABC News Says Sorry: ABC News issued an apology after reporter Brian Ross incorrectly suggested on-air that there might be a link between the Aurora shooting suspect and the Colorado tea party. ABC News later corrected Ross and apologized for the error on its website with this “Editor’s Note”: An earlier ABC News broadcast report suggested that a Jim Holmes of a Colorado tea party organization might be the suspect, but that report was incorrect. ABC News and Brian Ross apologize for the mistake, and for disseminating that information before it was properly vetted.”

Another Bush to Skip GOP Convention: Former President George W. Bush has declined Mitt Romney’s invitation to attend the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., next month. A spokesman for Bush said that although the former president supported Romney’s campaign, he would not be at the RNC. Dubya’s announcement comes after George H.W. Bush announced last week that he was not attending the Republican gathering due to health reasons. (Read more)

— Posted by Tracy Bloom.