WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle led Americans to observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the weekend's shooting in Arizona that critically injured a US Congresswoman and killed six people, including a nine-year-old girl and a judge.
Obama and Michelle observed the moment of silence at 11am local time to honour the innocent victims of the senseless tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, including those still fighting for their lives.
As a bell rang three times, Obama and his wife bowed their heads and closed their eyes, their hands clasped in front of them, as members of the White House staff joined them on the side.
They then turned around and walked back inside the White House. Obama also signed a proclamation Sunday calling for flags to be flown at half-mast.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords continued to be in critical condition, doctors said.
She was shot in the back of her head Saturday at a public function held at a grocery store in Tucson, Arizona. Nine other patients remain hospitalized.
The alleged shooter, 22-year-old Jared Lee Loughner, is scheduled to appear in a Phoenix courtroom later on Monday.
Loughner has been charged on five counts - two of murder and three of attempted murder -- according to the charge sheet filed by Arizona US Attorney, Dennis K Burke.
Federal investigative authorities say Loughner tried to kill Giffords.
