26 people were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Dec. 14 with 20 of the reported dead being elementary school children. This is the second largest school shooting in US history.
“I am shocked and saddened by the horrific news from Sandy Hook Elementary School this morning,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “I pray that kids, teachers, staff, and families reach safety as quickly as possible. While we don’t have much information right now, our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
CNN reports that the suspected murderer’s name is Adam Lanza, a 20-year-old man. He killed himself after the shooting. He had three weapons with him at the time of the shooting, a semi-automatic .223-caliber Bushmaster rifle and two pistols made by Glock and Sig. Lanza killed his mother at her house in Newtown before going off to the elementary school.
Peter Lanza, the father of Adam Lanza, released a statement about the incident.
“Our family is grieving along with all those who have been affected by this enormous tragedy,” said P. Lanza. “No words can truly express how heartbroken we are. We are in a state of disbelief and trying to find whatever answers we can.”
Before the shooting, there were about 600 students in the building, according to a father of a student that attends the school. The shooting allegedly took place at 9:35 am ET. Police say that A. Lanza forced his way into the school. Of the 20 children killed, all of them were between the ages of six and seven years old, with 12 of them being girls and eight of them being boys. The school principal, two teachers and the school psychologist were also killed.
“I konw there’s not a parent in America who doesn’t feel the same overwhelming grief that I do,” United States President Barack Obama said.