A moment of silence led by President Barack Obama has been held to commemorate the victims of a shooting rampage by a 22-year-old college dropout
Mr Obama called on America to join the silence after Jared Loughner shot dead six people, including a girl of nine, and critically injuring Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot through the head.
Fourteen others were also hurt in the attack which happened at an event hosted by the Democrat in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday.
On the White House lawn, Mr Obama was joined by the First Lady and hundreds of White House staff members.
Sky News' US correspondent Robert Nisbet said: "It has struck at the very heart of government here."
Sky correspondent Greg Milam
Loughner will appear in court later today charged with murder and the attempted assassination of Congresswoman Giffords.
The US government charged Loughner with two counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted assassination and two other counts of attempted murder.
Those charges relate to the shooting of government officials and the state of Arizona is likely to charge Loughner over the others who were injured and killed.
Loughner is expected to appear in a court in Phoenix at 2pm local time (9pm GMT) when a date for a preliminary hearing will be set.
Tragic Life Of Tucson's Youngest Victim
He is said to be making use of his Fifth Amendment rights by refusing to talk to the authorities, according to a federal law enforcement source speaking to Fox News.
It is understood that high-profile public defender Judy Clarke, who previously had the Unabomber as a client, would be present at the preliminary hearing and take over Loughner's case.
Investigators say they found an envelope at Loughner's home with the handwritten phrases "I planned ahead" and "My assassination", along with the name "Giffords".
In Tucson, Loughner has been described as "troubled" and "a loner" by those who know him. Police have said he is "unstable".
The US military said Loughner tried to join the Army in December 2008 but never was allowed to serve because he failed a drugs test.
Congresswoman Giffords, a 40-year-old Democrat, remains in a critical condition.
But doctors say she was able to follow simple commands, such as holding up two fingers when asked.
A bullet travelled the length of her brain on the left side, hitting an area that controls speech functions.
Deadly Shooting Spree 
Dr Michael Lemole said: "There are obvious areas of our brain that are less tolerant to intrusion.
"I don't want to go down the speculation road but at the same time we're cautiously optimistic."
Profile: Who Is Jared Loughner?
Those killed in the shootings were federal judge John Roll, 63; nine-year-old Christina Green, who had been born on the day of the 9/11 attacks and wanted a career in politics, Congresswoman Giffords' aide Gabriel Zimmerman, 30; Dorwin Stoddard, 76; Dorothy Morris, 76; and Phyllis Scheck, 79.
There is continuing concern that the attack may have had its roots in the angry nature of politcal debate in the US.
Loughner had apparently posted anti-government videos online and police are investigating links to fringe groups.
Congresswoman Giffords had herself criticised former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin for campaign material.
Judge John Roll, who was also among the dead
Democrat Emanuel Cleaver said: "We are in a dark place in this country right now and the atmospheric condition is toxic."
The US Capitol Police has warned members of congress to take "reasonable and prudent precautions" over security.
The House of Representatives has postponed its agenda for this week, including a controversial vote on the repeal of President Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul.
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