In their first public events after the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado that killed 12 people and wounded dozens other, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney both forgot about their campaign differences and urged Americans to unite at a time of national grief. The two appeared at previously scheduled campaign events but they didn’t attack each other. Obama Romney

Both presidential candidates didn’t address the issue of gun control, which was raised by advocates such as New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. President Obama spoke before an audience in Fort Myers. He told them that there would be other days for politics and this day is a day for prayer and reflection. He asked for a moment of silence for the victims of the tragedy, their loved ones, and for all victims of less publicized acts of violence that plague the nation.

President Obama cut his campaign tour through Florida short and returned to the White House so that he could deal with the senseless shooting. He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on all government buildings and facilities until sunset on July 25.

The president noted that children, including his daughters, often go to the movies. He added that he and first lady Michelle Obama would hug their daughters tighter tonight. He promised that the federal government is ready to do whatever is needed to bring whoever’s responsible for the senseless act of violence.

In New Hampshire, Mitt Romney also delivered a solemn remark about the unspeakable tragedy in Colorado. There was an American flag and bunting but there were no campaign signs, no music and the mood of the crowd was somber. Romney refrained from attacking Obama for remarks that Republicans argue that the president is hostile towards small businesses.