A pall has been cast over Washington since the news first broke over the weekend that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and several others were shot in Tucson, Ariz. Six people have died due to injuries suffered in the attack. Among the dead are Gabriel Zimmerman, who served as Representative Giffords's director of community outreach; District Court Judge John Roll; and nine-year-old Christina Green. Green was born on September 11, 2001, and was previously included in a book entitled "Faces of Hope" that featured 50 children born on that day.

At 11:00 a.m. this morning, President Obama led the nation in a moment of silence to mourn the victims of the shooting. The president has called for American flags to be flown at half mast until sundown on January 14. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) also required all flags flown on the House side of the Capitol flown at half mast to honor Mr. Zimmerman, a colleague to Congressional staffers.

Later in the day, following a scheduled meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, President Obama delivered his second set of prepared statements on the tragedy. After thanking President Sarkozy for his support, President Obama said:

"Obviously all of us are still grieving and in shock from the tragedy that took place. Gabby Giffords and others are still fighting to recover. Families are still absorbing the enormity of their losses. We have a criminal investigation that is ongoing and charges that no doubt will be brought against the perpetrator of this heinous crime.

"I think it's important for us to also focus, though, on the extraordinary courage that was shown during the course of these events: a 20-year-old college student who ran into the line of fire to rescue his boss; a wounded woman who helped secure the ammunition that might have caused even more damage; the citizens who wrestled down the gunman. Part of what I think that speaks to is the best of America, even in the face of such mindless violence."

Also at 11:00 a.m., hundreds of Congressional staffers and some members of Congress gathered on the Capitol steps to mourn and pay tribute to their colleague, Mr. Zimmerman, and for the Congresswoman. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MD), who is an ordained Methodist minister, delivered the following prayer:

"Let us move from this dark place to a place of sunshine and hope. Bless, please God, those who serve us and serve this nation. Keep them safe. More than anything, God, we ask that you help keep our hearts pure. We ask this and all blessings in the name of those who come before us."

Representative Giffords's husband, Captain Mark Kelly of the U.S. Navy, posted the following message to her official House of Representatives website:

"On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most - hearing from her constituents - when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.

"Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby's team, Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck and Dorwan Stoddard. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly yesterday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

"Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson's Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross."

Suspect in Custody

Federal officials in Arizona have a suspect in custody, a man in his early 20s by the name of Jared Lee Loughner. He is being held on five federal charges: the attempted assassination of a member of Congress, the murders of two federal employees - Mr. Zimmerman and Justice Roll - and attempting to murder two more federal employees (both Congressional aides to Representative Giffords). Loughner is not cooperating with the authorities, so it is currently unclear whether or not he acted alone. If convicted, Loughner potentially faces the death penalty.

The shooting is the first assassination attempt of a federal-level elected official since John Hinckley attempted to murder President Ronald Reagan. According to the National Journal, no female member of Congress has ever been assassinated.

As of Monday afternoon, Representative Giffords's doctors at the University of Arizona Medical Center say there has been no change in her condition since the weekend. According to Politico, "She continues to respond to simple external commands and there has not been any additional swelling of the brain." Michael Lemole, M.D., who is the head of neurosurgery at the hospital, said, "We're not out of the woods yet, but every day that goes by and we don't see an increase [in brain swelling], we're slightly more optimistic."

Out of respect for the victims of the tragedy, the House leadership has stated that legislative actions that were scheduled for this week have been put off until next week.