President Obama to attend Ft. Hood memorial

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama plans to attend a memorial at Texas' Fort Hood today, where a gunman's rampage left 13 dead and 29 more wounded.

Obama will also meet with the families of those killed.

Kevin Sullivan, who served as President George W. Bush's communications director, says Obama's presence "sends a message that he understands this is a national moment." He says what really matters is that Obama is able to provide comfort to the victims' families.

Lt. General Robert Cone says at least 3,000 people are expected to attend the event.

The suspect in the shooting, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, is accused of firing off more than 100 rounds before a civilian police officer shot him. He survived and is in stable condition.

Officials say Hasan will be tried in a military court.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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