U.S. President Barack Obama put aside his re-election campaign Friday to focus on the deadly shooting in Colorado that left at least 12 people dead after a gunman launched an attack in a movie theater.

The President spoke as a parent.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"I'm sure that many of you who are parents here had the same reaction that I did when I heard this news. You know, my daughters go to the movies. What if Malia and Sasha had been at the theater, as so many of our kids do every day?

Michelle and I will be fortunate enough to hug our girls a little tighter tonight, and I'm sure you will do the same with your children. But for those parents who may not be so lucky, we have to embrace them and let them know we will be there for them as a nation. "

Obama said this is a time for prayer.

SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"I think, is a day for prayer and reflection."

Early Friday morning a gunman killed ate least 12 people during a shooting rampage at a movie theater in a Denver suburb during a screening of the new Batman movie.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.