Local and national leaders weigh-in on the massacre in Connecticut where 20 children and seven adults died Friday after gunfire erupted inside Sandy Hook Elementary School.
"The majority of those who died today were children. Beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10-years-old. They had their entire lives ahead of them. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. Among the fallen were also teachers. Men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams. So, our hearts are broken today for the parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers of these little children and for the families of the adults who were lost. Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well. For as blessed as they are to have their chidlren home tonight they know that their childlen's innocence has been torn away from them too early and there are no words that will ease their pain.
This evening Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do. Which is hug our children a little tighter and we'll tell them that we love them and we'll remind each other how deeply we love one other. But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight and they need all of us right now. In the hard days to come the community needs us to be at our best as Americans and I will do everything in my power to help. Because, while nothing can fill the space of a lost child or loved one, all of us can extend a hand to those in need to remind them that we are there for them, that we are praying for them, that the love they felt for those they lost endures not just in their memories but also in ours. May God bless the memory of the victims and in the word of scripture, heal the broken-hearted and bind them of their wounds." -- President Barack Obama.
“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.” -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
"The senseless and cowardly shooting in Connecticut reminds us all of the vigilance we must maintain to protect our children in their schools. I pray for the victims, their families and the Newtown community as they deal with this horrendous tragedy. As a board member of the Texas School Safety Center, I am committed to making sure educators, students and law enforcement are working together to prepare Texas schools for the unthinkable. We must not wait until it's too late to act. We remind all schools to review their school safety plan to ensure they have proper procedures to keep students and campuses safe." -- Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shootings in Connecticut today. Elementary schools should be places filled with hope and opportunity, not with pain and sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, staff and entire community of Newtown, Connecticut. We are obviously monitoring today’s events to determine what additional safety measures can be put in place, especially in our elementary schools. There will need to be a significant discussion in our community, as well as every community, to decide how best to protect our children." -- Superintendent Mike Miles, Dallas Independent School District.
