TUCSON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is again stepping into his role as national consoler.

He and first lady Michelle Obama are flying to Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday to honor the victims of Saturday's mass shooting. The president is expected to speak of the victims in personal terms and remind those in grief that an entire nation is with them.

The Obamas will be joined by Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Attorney General Eric Holder and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Thousands are expected to attend the public event at the University of Arizona's basketball arena.

Obama will remember the six people killed in a point-blank assassination attempt against Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The Democrat had been meeting with constituents outside a supermarket when the shooting started.

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