Read Obama's remarks in Tucson

Following is a text of President Obama’s prepared address on Wednesday to honor those killed and wounded in a shooting Saturday, as released by the White House.

President Barack Obama hugs Mark Kelly, the husband of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, on Wednesday.
(Kevork Djansezian - Getty)

To the families of those we've lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants gathered tonight, and the people of Tucson and Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today, and will stand by you tomorrow.

There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your hearts. But know this: the hopes of a nation are here tonight. We mourn with you for the fallen. We join you in your grief. And we add our faith to yours that Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other living victims of this tragedy pull through.