(July 20, 2012)—President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney both responded Friday in the wake of the shooting at a Colorado theater that left a dozen people dead and dozens more injured.

Speaking in Fort Myers, Fla., the president said the shooting is a reminder that life is fragile.

He said the event "reminds us of all the ways that we are united as one American family."

He asked for a moment of silence Friday and focused his shortened remarks exclusively on the tragedy.

Mr. Obama said the shooting underscores how "our time here is limited and it is precious."

He said Friday should be devoted to prayer and reflection.

Romney commented on the shooting during a campaign appearance in New Hampshire, saying the day is a moment to grieve, remember, reach out and help.

He told supporters at the previously scheduled campaign stop in New Hampshire that justice will come another day for the person responsible.

He called for Americans to focus on loving each other and those affected by what he said were "a few moments of evil" near Denver.

He suspended political activity for the day.

Both campaigns moved to pull down negative advertising in Colorado.

A Romney campaign spokeswoman said the Republican's campaign is pulling all of its ads in the state and an Obama campaign press secretary said the president's camp plans to suspend all "contrast advertising."