Five people were killed and a number of others including a US congresswoman were injured when a gunman opened fire as the politician met with constituents in Arizona.
Democrat Gabrielle Giffords was in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the head in the incident in Tucson.
US President Barack Obama confirmed a nine-year-old girl and US federal judge John Roll were among those killed. Speaking at the White House, he said Ms Giffords was a friend of his, who was “warm and caring”.
He said: “As many of you are aware, earlier today a number of people were shot in Tucson, Arizona, including several who were meeting at a supermarket with a congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords.
“We are still assembling all the facts but we know that Representative Giffords was one of the victims. She’s currently in a hospital in the area and she is battling for her life.
“We also know that five people lost their lives in this tragedy, among them were a federal judge, John Roll, who has served America’s legal system for almost 40 years, and a young girl who was barely nine years old.”
He added that a suspect was in custody but it was not clear what provoked the “unspeakable act”. The suspect has been identified as Jared Loughner.
Mr Obama said a comprehensive investigation was under way.
Paying tribute to the congresswoman, he continued: “Gabby Giffords was a friend of mine. She’s not only an extraordinary public servant but she’s also somebody who is warm and caring. She is well liked by her colleagues and well liked by her constituents. “Her husband Mark Kelly is a Navy captain and one of America’s valiant astronauts.”
He added: “It’s a tragedy for Arizona and a tragedy for our entire country. What Americans do in times of tragedy is to come together and support each other.” He called on the public to offer their prayers and thoughts for those caught up in the shooting spree.
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