President Obama addressed both the shootings at Fort Hood and the newly released 10.2 percent unemployment rates in a short statement at the White House this morning.
On Fort Hood, he announced that the flags at federal buildings will be flown at half staff until Veterans Day.
“This is a modest tribute to those who lost their lives, even as many were preparing to risk their lives for their country,” Obama said.
He emphasized that many details about what happened are still unknown.
“I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we get all the facts,” he said. “What we do know is, families, friends and an entire nation is grieving.”
He promised updates from the administration as more information comes in.
On the economy, he repeated an oft-stated point that “job growth always lags behind economic growth.”
He lauded a bill he signed this morning which extends unemployment benefits, extends the $8,000 homebuyer’s credit and grants a new tax benefit to businesses.
The President said he won’t stop “until all Americans can earn enough to raise their families and keep their businesses open.”
He also promised that the bill is deficit-neutral and “fully paid for.”
Late update: Obama signed a proclamation this afternoon in honor of the victims:
Our Nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour.
As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
