Obama to Lead Nation in Moment of Silence for AZ Shooting Victims

At 8:00 a.m. West Coast time, President Obama will lead the nation in a moment of silence to mark a shared grief and support for the victims of this weekend's shooting in Arizona, according to the LA Times. The shooting rampage of suspect Jared Lee Loughner has left six people dead and another 14 injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ).

This morning Giffords remains in intensive care in Tucson; she was described during a television appearance by a doctor as "holding her own" this morning. A physician said "a portion of Giffords' skull was removed during treatment to help prevent brain swelling," and her medical team feel optimistic about her recovery.

The other victims of the shooting include U.S. District Judge John M. Roll, 63; Giffords' aide Gabe Zimmerman, 30; Dorothy Morris, 76; Dorwan Stoddard, 76; Phyllis Schneck, 79; and Christina Green, 9.

Obama will be on the South Lawn of the White House this morning to lead the nation in a shared moment of silence. Flags there are already flying half-mast, as they are in Arizona, as ordered Saturday by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.