The deadly shootings in Colorado forced President Obama to cancel his campaign appearance at Rollins College on Friday.

As expected there was a since of disappointment on the schools campus, but the feelings of being let down have been overshadowed sadness for the community of Aurora, Colorado.

"Oh...that's very disappointing," said one Obama supporter upon hearing the news the President would not be coming in the wake of the deadly shooting at a movie theatre in one Colorado community.

Many folks on hand Friday morning came with packed lunches and lawn chairs, expected to make a day of it.

"I took the day off, and dropped my daughter off and you know. It's ok, I understand what he has to do, but it's really sad, " said Theresa Barros.

Supporters like Wesley Hope say the President's safety should be top priority.

"Oh I was really, really sad when I heard, thinking about today too, some crazy people you don't know what they are going to do," Hope said.

La-Rine Willis said she feels for the families in the Colorado community of Aurora.

"Our heart goes out to the people in Colorado for the incident that happened, and just thank God that it didn't happen here," Willis said.

Obama was in South Florida at the time of the shooting. The White House said Obama was informed of the tragedy by his Homeland Security Adviser, John Brennan, at 5:26 a.m. EDT.

A gunman opened fire at a theater in Aurora, Colorado -- a suburb of Denver -- on the opening night of the latest Batman film, "The Dark Knight Rises."

Federal law enforcement officials have identified the suspect as James Holmes, 24, from Aurora. Holmes is in police custody.

The FBI said there was no indication that the shooting had any connection to terrorism.

Upon learning of the shooting, the White House released the following statement from President Obama:

"Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time.

We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded.

As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come."

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said in a statement that he and his wife, Ann, were "deeply saddened by the news of the senseless violence" that led to the loss of life and injuries. He said they were praying for the families and loved ones of the victims "during this time of deep shock and immense grief. We expect that the person responsible for this terrible crime will be quickly brought to justice."

In a statement, Gov. Rick Scott said he and his wife Ann, "join with Floridians and all of those across our country who are praying for their comfort and peace during this time of mourning. He said these are the times "we are reminded just how important it is to ensure the safety and security of our communities and families.”

Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives during this morning’s tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado, or were injured or otherwise affected by it."

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Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.