White House press secretary Jay Carney briefed reporters on March 12 at 12:45 p.m. Monday's briefing comes one day after an American service member in Kandahar province allegedly opened fire on Afghan civilians, killing at least 16.
President Obama said he was "deeply saddened" by news of the attack in a statement released Sunday.
Obama said the shooting was "tragic and shocking, and does not represent the exceptional character of our military and the respect that the United States has for the people of Afghanistan."
The incident though will raise questions about the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and the safety of military personnel. Last month, the accidental burning of Qurans at an air base sparked violence that left over 30 Afghans and six American service members dead.
Presidential politics is also in focus at the start of the week, as GOP hopefuls vie for Southern support a day ahead of the Alabama and Mississippi primaries. Hawaii and American Samoa also hold their caucuses Tuesday.
Obama will spend part of his day Monday, giving interviews to local television stations in eight markets around the country promoting his energy proposals.
Republicans have also been hammering the president on rising gas prices, and a Washington Post-ABC News poll released Monday showed almost two-thirds of those surveyed disapproved of the president's handling of gasoline prices.
Regular gasoline prices are averaging $3.80 a gallon, according to AAA.
The administration says there are no quick fixes but touts its support for expanded development of oil-and-gas resources, as well as green-energy projects and the implementation of new fuel-economy rules.
—This event has concluded and has been updated to include video of the complete press briefing.
