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Pres. Obama Traveling to Ariz. Wednesday

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama observe a moment of silence on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2011, to honor the victims of a shooting at an Arizona political event that left people six dead. JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Updated at 10:27 p.m. ET

(CBS) - A senior administration official tells CBS News that President Obama will go to Tucson, Ariz., for meetings with families of shooting victims Wednesday.

Earlier Monday, the White House said they expected Mr. Obama to find ways to commemorate the victims. Six people were killed and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and remains in intensive care. Nineteen people were shot in all.

Complete Coverage: Tragedy in Tucson

Mr. Obama led the country in a moment of silence Monday. The president appeared somber. He and first lady Michelle Obama stood together on the South Lawn of the White House with their heads bowed and their eyes closed.

Following a meeting with French president Nicholas Sarkozy, Mr. Obama said, "We're in close consultations with the families who have suffered these losses, as well as Governor Brewer, congressional leadership. There is no doubt that we will establish some mechanism, memorial, during the course of the next several days. And when we have that, we will announce it."

The University of Arizona released a statement Monday night that read in part, "President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have accepted the University of Arizona's invitation to visit Tucson in response to the tragic shooting that occurred on Saturday.

President Obama will speak at a memorial event at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12 to support and remember victims of the mass shooting in Tucson, and to lift the spirits of those who have been personally affected by this tragedy."

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