2011-01-12 10:33

WASHINGTON -- US President Barack Obama is to travel to Tucson, Arizona, Wednesday for a memorial service for victims of a mass shooting that killed 6 and left Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords critically wounded, the White House announced Tuesday.

In a statement, the White House said Obama and First Lady Michelle will attend a memorial service at the University of Arizona, where the president will deliver remarks in support and remembrance of the victims of the mass shooting that took place in Tucson last weekend.

The Obamas will be accompanied by Attorney General Eric Holder, Associate Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, according to reports.

The shooting took place on Saturday. A gunman opened fire at Giffords and attendants in a meeting she was having with constituents at a supermarket. Six people were killed and 14 others wounded. Three days after being shot in the head, Giffords' situation has stabilized and was breathing on her own, doctors said on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, the family of Jared Lee Loughner, the suspect in the shooting rampage, released a one-paragraph statement asking media to respect their privacy, and expressed sorrow and apology to the victims.