With rolling updates: The reactions to the horrific slaying of children by a masked gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. are already streaming in, many saying the murders highlight the need for stronger gun control laws. The death toll of 27, including 20 kids, ranks the crime as one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.
Gov. Cuomo: "I was shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School this morning in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the innocent victims ? many of whom were young children ? whose lives were claimed by this senseless and horrific act of violence. During times of such unthinkable tragedy, all New Yorkers stand together with the people of our neighboring state to grieve the loss of life and help bear the pain and anguish that will be felt by so many in the weeks, months, and years to come.
"While we don?t have all the facts and our focus must be on the victims, this is yet another senseless and horrific act of violence involving guns. We as a society must unify and once and for all crack down on the guns that have cost the lives of far too many innocent Americans. Let this terrible tragedy finally be the wake-up call for aggressive action and I pledge my full support in that effort."
"Calling for ?meaningful action? is not enough. We need immediate action. We have heard all the rhetoric before. What we have not seen is leadership ? not from the White House and not from Congress. That must end today. This is a national tragedy and it demands a national response. My deepest sympathies are with the families of all those affected, and my determination to stop this madness is stronger than ever.?
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano: ?I am deeply saddened by the horrific shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this senseless tragedy, especially the families and loved ones of those killed or injured. As federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies continue to respond to this tragic event, the Department of Homeland Security will provide any support necessary in the ongoing investigation.?
NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman: ?Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the innocent victims of today?s horrific massacre. We stand with the people of Connecticut during this moment of unspeakable tragedy.?
NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli: ?In the face of yet another tragedy of gun violence, I join all New Yorkers in extending my heartfelt condolences to the Connecticut families, friends and community of those affected by today?s senseless murders.? This unthinkable act occurred in a place where our children should feel safe.? As a nation, we must work together to prevent such horrendous acts.?
Sen. Chuck Schumer: ?The horror of what happened is beyond words and leaves a permanent lump in your throat.? To senselessly lose so many innocent lives breaks your heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who lost a loved one today, to all who are injured, and to those that survived. The people of New York will help in any way we can as our fellow citizens struggle to comprehend today?s events.? Perhaps an awful tragedy like this will bring us together so we can do what it takes to prevent this horror from being repeated again.?
House Speaker John Boehner: ?The horror of this day seems so unbearable, but we will lock arms and unite as citizens, for that is how Americans rise above unspeakable evil. Let us all come together in God?s grace to pray for the families of the victims, that they may find some comfort and peace amid such suffering. Let us give thanks for all those who helped get people to safety, and take heart from their example. The House of Representatives ? like every American ? stands ready to assist the people of Newtown, Connecticut.?
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: ?We are all crushed by the news of today's horrifying massacre in Newtown. I invite everyone to lift their hearts in prayer for the victims and their families and to unite around the hope that there will soon come a day when parents no longer fear this kind of violence in our nation again.?
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi: ?No words can console the parents of the children murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School or describe the pain and shock of such an unspeakable tragedy.? No words can comfort the loved ones of those brutally taken from us today.? All Americans share our prayers and our grief over these horrifying events. We are all stunned, shocked, and distraught by this tragic shooting, by this violent act, and by the loss of so many young children.? Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students, teachers, and educators killed and wounded in Newtown, Connecticut.? The entire nation will continue to stand as a source of support to this community in the days and weeks to come.?
Arizona Rep. Ron Barber, wounded with former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in the Tucson shooting: "Today?s tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. is a devastating loss for the families, the people of that community and for all Americans. It is especially painful because it took place in classrooms where children should feel safe as they grow and learn. As those of us in Tucson know, senseless acts such as these tear at the very fabric of a community. In times like this, we come together to support each other. To the people of Newtown, we are with you today and in the days, weeks and months ahead. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those who were killed or injured today as well as to the first responders, law enforcement personnel and medical teams who are treating the victims. All of Tucson and Southern Arizona as well as the entire nation stand with the people of Newtown."
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, whose husband was killed and son wounded in the 1993 LIRR shooting spree: ?Our hearts go out to the victims and families from this horrific tragedy, especially during the holidays when kids should be thinking about presents and having fun with their families and friends, not America?s deadly problem with gun violence. There are a lot of unanswered questions right now, but one thing is clear ? there?s too much gun violence in our country.? These shootings are becoming all too common, and it?s too easy for dangerous people to get the weapons that help them perform mass executions like today?s.
?Leaders in Washington from both parties, and groups like the NRA, all say that now is not the time to talk about how gun safety laws can save lives in America.? I agree, now is not the time to talk about gun laws ? the time for that conversation was long before all those kids in Connecticut died today. We owe it to our children to work harder to reduce gun violence. ?
"The Second Amendment is the law of the land but it was never intended to allow murderers to take the lives of innocent kids.? It?s our moral obligation as policymakers and as parents to do more to save lives. I hope the President?s words about taking ?meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this regardless of the politics? stay true as we continue down this road again.?
Rep. Eliot Engel: ?As a father of three, I am horrified by the violence committed against these innocent children and their teachers in Connecticut.? As a human being, I am appalled that someone could commit such an insane act and actually pull that trigger ending those young lives. The grief I feel for the families of the victims is too great for words. We have had too many moments like this ? 31 school massacres in our country since Columbine. Today, our nation mourns.? In the coming days and weeks, we must come to grips with the horrors of the growing gun violence we are witnessing with all too much frequency.? This country must keep guns out of the hands of deranged murderers, and the fact that we cannot pass sensible gun control in this Congress is a blot on our reputation.? As I have said many times in the past, we must pass sensible gun control.? We owe it to the memories of the children and teachers murdered today.?
Rep. Brian Higgins: ?Today?s tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, taking the lives of nurturing adults and innocent children, is heartbreaking. As a father and as a husband of a public school teacher, I have to say that the word that comes most to mind at a time like this is ?unspeakable.? This is a tragedy of unspeakable proportion, an act beyond comprehension. When lives are lost in our schools, which represent a safe haven with the sole purpose of enriching the lives of children, we are left with a profound sadness. I join others in this country and the Western New York community in saying that our thoughts and prayers are with the families and community devastated by the horrific events that occurred today.?
Rep. Charles Rangel: ?I join America to mourn for the innocent lives that were tragically taken away in this devastating shooting. We send our prayers for the parents and families of the victims as we share our grief over their loss. I stand with the nation in showing full support to the Newtown community as they cope with the shock and pain. I strongly condemn this heinous crime that killed and wounded so many young beautiful children, as well as teachers and educators. Such abominable act has no place in our country. We cannot tolerate and allow a handful of people to terrorize our communities.?
Rep. Steve Israel: ?I am stunned and outraged by the mass murder in Connecticut today. We keep viewing these tragedies as teachable moments on stopping gun violence, and then we forget the lessons until the next tragedy. Over the next days and weeks, we must come together on common-sense steps to keep guns out of schools. Today, as Long Islanders and Americans, we stand with the families of Newtown.??
Rep. Carolyn Maloney: ?The students and their families and the teachers and employees at Sandy Hook Elementary School are in my thoughts and prayers today. Like all Americans, my heart is heavy with grief for the members of this community who have been devastated by this horrible, senseless act of violence. Our first thoughts must be with the families of those killed and injured today. But we can no longer allow tragedies ? like Columbine, and Virginia Tech, and Tucson, and Aurora, and Newtown ? to occur over and over without finally taking meaningful action to prevent them from happening again.? Together as Americans, we must engage each other in a civil discourse about ways to deter would-be mass killers who are currently able to legally purchase guns and ammunition more easily than they could register an automobile. We must engage in this effort, however politically painful. Otherwise, sadly, we will continue to see more of these unspeakable tragedies.?
Rep. Gregory Meeks: ?I was shocked by the news of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, which left 26 people dead.?? As a father I cannot imagine the pain the families of the innocent victims must feel.? I grieve with them.? My thoughts and prayers, and those of my constituents, are with the students, teachers and families whose lives have been forever altered by this senseless shooting.? A shocked and sorrowful nation shares your grief.? My colleagues and I must act to stop access to the guns that are used in such horrific crimes, but that struggle is for another day. Today we simply join the rest of the world in mourning the tragic loss of lives.?
Rep.-elect Grace Meng: ?The shooting in Connecticut is a horrible and senseless attack that has shocked and saddened me and all Americans. My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to the victims, parents and families of this unspeakable tragedy that occurred just about 65 miles from our community. As the mother of two young children, I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through. There are simply no words to express the horror of this terrible and incomprehensible tragedy. This senseless shooting is yet another example of why our nation needs tougher gun control laws ? the assault weapons ban, microstamping and background checks for all gun purchases. Congress must act as these are very long overdue. At this difficult time, we send our thoughts and prayers to all who have been affected by this horrific tragedy.??
Rep.-elect Hakeem Jeffries: "Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to the parents and family members whose children and relatives have confronted evil and wickedness in its purest form. No words can provide comfort to these grieving parents, but we must do all we can to support them in this time of extreme need. We should also pray for strength in the midst of a storm that will not soon pass for the victims, family members and community. Lastly, we should hold our children closer as we lay them to bed, and when day breaks begin to seriously confront what needs to happen to prevent tragedies like this massacre from ever occurring again."
Sen. Frank Lautenberg: "Americans are sick and tired of these attacks on our children and neighbors and they are sick and tired of nothing being done in Washington to stop the bloodshed. If we do not take action to address gun violence, shooting tragedies like this will continue. As President Obama said, we must act now 'regardless of the politics.'?
Comptroller John Liu: ?Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent children, teachers and families of Newtown. As I await my child's dismissal from school, I can only imagine with horror the pain being felt throughout the community in the face of such senseless violence and devastating loss.?
Senate GOP Majority Leader Dean Skelos: "There simply aren?t words that can express the sadness and shock of the senseless tragedy that took place this morning in Newtown, Connecticut. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this heinous attack that has brought such heartbreak and grief to people in Connecticut and across the country."
NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the horrific shooting in Newtown... Our schools should be a safe and nurturing environment for our children and parents should never have to fear for their safety when they are learning. If ever there is a time to finally have a serious discussion about our country?s culture of violence that time is now.
NY Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson: ?Our hearts go out to the children, parents, and community of Newtown, Conn. As a father, this is one of my worst fears and we must all work together to make sure these terrible events never happen again. Enough is enough.?
Senate IDC Leader Jeff Klein: "My thoughts and prayers are with the children, families, and victims of today?s devastating tragedy in Connecticut. Today?s news is a sorrowful reminder that horrifying acts of gun violence are all too common in our streets, our homes, and our schools. Heinous acts such as this must remain at the front of our minds as we continue to reevaluate the place of guns in our state and our society."
State Sen. Jose Peralta: ?My heart goes out to the victims. I extend my condolences to the loved ones of all those senselessly gunned down. I can?t think of a more sickening tragedy than the cold-blooded mass murder of children and the adults caring for them. The bloodstain of gun violence will only grow larger until we resolve, at every level of government, to bring common sense and sanity to our laws governing firearms availability, sales and possession.?
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer: "Today?s shooting at a Newtown, Conn. elementary school is a tragedy of national proportions. Once again, a gunman has slaughtered innocent people in a public place ? and the shocking toll, 26 dead, includes 18 young children. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of these victims."
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.: ?I am extremely shocked and saddened by today?s shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Our nation is in mourning and I, along with the 1.4 million residents in the Bronx, will keep Sandy Hook Elementary School and the entire state of Connecticut in our thoughts and prayers, through this difficult time as our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded."
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz: ?All of Brooklyn joins the nation and the world in mourning the loss of so many innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and we pray for the full recovery of those wounded. Over the coming hours, days and weeks, more information will be revealed about the shootings, the deranged individual who committed them, and the weapons he used. Unfortunately, it always takes a senseless tragedy like this?and too many others like it?for Americans to stand up and take notice of our nation?s ongoing love affair with guns, and the critical need for national gun control. Yet it seems as if no tragedy is horrific enough to get federal lawmakers to put aside their philosophical differences, say enough is enough, and do what?s right to safeguard the safety and welfare of the American people. The time for idle talk is over. If not now?after the deaths of children as young as five in a suburban elementary school?then when? We need strong leaders in Congress to stand up to the gun lobby. We need lawmakers with the courage of conviction and the strength to follow through. We need determined voices in this fight to take back our streets and our schools. We cannot be held hostage?literally or figuratively?by gun-wielding madmen or the lobbyists that keep them armed."
Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson: ?I am shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of life today at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This senseless attack on innocent children is yet another reminder that there is no legitimate reason for anyone other than law enforcement or military personnel to have access to semi-automatic weapons. My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by today?s tragedy.?
Assemblyman-elect Walter Mosley: "Today's shooting [is] an absolutely heartbreaking national tragedy, and there are no words to describe our grief. My deepest prayers and condolences go to the families of these victims."
Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins: ?The senseless and utterly horrifying death of twenty-seven people today, including eighteen children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut must?I repeat, must?be the final wake-up call for government officials and elected leaders at every level to work toward making sure another tragic shooting and killing of innocents like this never occurs again. It?s time to enact the strictest national gun laws in the world. We owe it to all of the victims. My prayers and heart-heavy condolences go out to the families of all those killed and traumatized by today?s shooting. If we are going to be serious about making the world a better, safer place in which to live, then we must immediately look to eliminating gun violence. The public across our land and future generations are depending on us to make the right decisions.?
NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi: ?Today?s tragedy in Newtown, Conn., reminds us all of the urgency for states to pass and enforce policies ? like New York has done ? that improve school safety and protect the lives of students and the educators who work with them. And this includes a serious tightening of gun control laws across the nation.?
Rev. Al Sharpton: "Our prayers are with those devastated by this horrific shooting and we appeal for people to unite in prayer to end the bloodshed across the country. I hope that our nation's leaders from all backgrounds and walks of life, can come together in the weeks ahead to forge a path where these terrible, senseless gun violent tragedies are eliminated from our society."
Texas Gov. and former presidential candidate Rick Perry: "The horrific event that transpired at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut is as profoundly disturbing as it is impossible to fully understand. The fact that so many victims were children weighs heavily upon the hearts and souls of each Texan and every American. Anita and I send our personal condolences to everyone touched by this senseless tragedy, pray for the quick healing of those injured, and extend our hopes that time will help ease the suffering of those who lost loved ones."
Former Sen. and presidential candidate Rick Santorum: "If there were ever a day to hug your child a little longer, a little closer, today is the day.? It is with a heavy heart that Karen and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and family members of those affected by the senseless tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.? May God bless the students, teachers, and emergency responders who are suffering unthinkable pain delivered at a place meant to be a sanctuary of safety and learning.? The loss of life and innocence is devastating, and I pray for healing for the entire Newtown community and our country."
And an excerpt from our main-page story on the massacre, written by Victoria Cavaliere and Larry McShane, which is being updated as new details emerge...
Twenty-seven people were killed, including 18 children, when a masked gunman unleashed a bloody Friday morning rampage through a Connecticut elementary school.
The mass murderer was a 20-year-old man who used a .223-caliber rifle. He was among the dead at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. ? a small suburban town of about 27,000 people.
The gunfire erupted around 9:40 a.m. inside the main office, sending terrified parents flocking to the school for word about their kids.
President Obama was briefed on the mass killing in Fairfield County, according to the White House.
Terrified children described hearing the gunshots as their teachers quickly hustled them to safety.
Video captured a long line of ambulances and law enforcement vehicles parked outside the school.
At least three people were treated at Danbury Hospital, including a teacher who was shot in the foot, police sources said. A witness spotted two wounded children ? one had a bloody face, the other with a hand injury, WTNH-TV reported.
Two guns were found near the shooter, who died at the scene, according to law enforcement officials.
Witnesses said the shooter was wearing a mask but his or her identity was still unknown.
A "platoon" of state troopers were combing the scene, said Lt. Paul Vance. of the state police. The FBI is also assisting...
Images: SHANNON HICKS/THE NEWTON BEE; JESSICA HILL/AP; NEWTOWN PATCH; CHARLES DHARAPAK/AP; RICHARD HARBUS/NY DAILY NEWS; MICHELLE MCLOUGHLIN/REUTERS
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