ROSEBURG, Ore. (KOIN) – President Obama made a private visit with families in a stop at Roseburg High School, 8 days after a horrific shooting that left 9 dead and 9 wounded.
The president met with the families of the victims for almost an hour on Friday in the fine arts building at the high school.
Joined by Gov. Kate Brown and Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich, Obama gave brief remarks to a small contingent of press, allowed to wait in the school’s library during his visit, in a school courtyard.
“I’ve got some very strong feelings about this,” said a somber Obama, speaking so low he could barely be heard. “Because you’re reminded that this could happen to your child. Today is about the families.”
He also thanked the Roseburg community and the entire state of Oregon for coming together at this terrible time to support this families.
“Obviously, moments like this, words aren’t going to bring their loved ones back but the one thing that they shared is how much they appreciate the entire UCC community coming together, how much they appreciate all their neighbors, all their friends and people across the country who offered to help, sent their thoughts, their prayers,” Obama said.
On a day when a memorial service was just beginning for Lucero Alcaraz, one of the nine killed just eight days ago, the president did not say anything about gun control, only alluding to the issue.Photos: President Obama in Roseburg
“We’re gonna have to come together as a country to see how we can prevent these issues from taking place. But today it’s about the families, about their grief.”
Three more memorial services are scheduled for Saturday in Douglas County.
The president arrived on Air Force One shortly before noon and was accompanied by Senator Ron Wyden, Senator Jeff Merkley and Rep. Peter DeFazio. After landing, he boarded the presidential helicopter for a short flight to Roseburg, about 70 miles south of Eugene.
Wyden, Merkley and DeFazio went to Peace Health Sacred Heart to thank doctors and nurses for their efforts.
Obama muted his message about new action against gun violence, as staunchly conservative Douglas County is bristling with gun owners who use their weapons for hunting, target shooting and self-protection.
Roseburg residents lined the streets on Friday, about half holding signs of support and the other half with anti-Obama signs.
Some residents say tighter gun laws are not the solution.
A few of the residents who spoke to KOIN 6 News were supportive of Obama’s visit. Kelly Roberts brought his kids out to Roseburg High School because he wants a chance to catch a glimpse of the president and hopes that he can “set the politics aside today. I hope that is what he does too. He is here to comfort the families and encourage them and I hope it’s not about politics.”
Another Roseburg resident, John Read, told KOIN 6 “I think it’s a privilege to be around the area when the president of our country to comes in regardless of political opinions he has been elected to the office and it is an honor and a privilege to have him come to our community for whatever reason.”
On October 1, eight Umpqua Community College students and a teacher were killed before the gunman fatally shot himself in front of his victims after he was wounded by police.Photos: Umpqua Community College shooting victimsThe Associated Press contributed to this report.