A school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary has left 27 dead, 18 of them children , and a press conference in Newtown is underway as law enforcement agents address the public about the devastating event.
President Obama has been debriefed on the shootings. The governor is currently meeting with victims’ families.
Just after 9:30, a 911 call reported the school shooting in Connecticut.
Several fatalities were reported at the scene, but police are not confirming the death toll of 27. The shooter is “deceased inside the building.” Warrants are being obtained to investigate the shooter.
President Obama has contacted Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy following the tragedy in Newtown to express condolences.
No questions are being taken, police say the scene is secure, and another briefing will follow shortly as information is released to media. The initial press conference concluded with promise of further updates shortly from Connecticut State Police spokesman Paul Vance.
Meanwhile, the AP is reporting that the shooter was connected with the school, citing an anonymous source in Washington:
“The official said that a gun used in the attacks is a .223-caliber rifle. The official also said that New Jersey state police are searching a location in that state in connection with the shootings, said by an official in Connecticut to have left 27 dead, including 18 children.
“The official in Washington spoke on the condition of anonymity because the source was not authorized to speak on the record about the developing criminal investigation.”
The Hartford Courant quoted a child on scene during the tragedy:
RT @ stephenbus : 9-year-old: “We were told to hold each others’ hands and to close our eyes. We opened our eyes when we were outside.”
— Hartford Courant (@hartfordcourant) December 14, 2012
I don’t know where CBSNews got this picture, but it surely captures what every #newtown parent must have felt. twitpic.com/blyfep
— Lorenzo Singh (@Romeolorrendo) December 14, 2012
As the second press conference on the Newtown shootings occurs, this post will be updated.
