The Hartford Guardian, News Report, Posted: Dec 14, 2012

 Police on Friday are still investigating a school shooting in Newtown that left 27 people dead and one injured.

The Associated Press has reported twenty-seven people, including 20 children, have been killed in a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Newton School officials cancelled afternoon buses and kindergarten. And the entire district is on lockdown.

The shooter, 24-year-old Ryan Lanza, is reportedly dead. Lanza’s mother was a school teacher at Sandy Hook, whichl serves children in grades kindergarten through 4th. Police have yet to state the motive of the shooting. Police said Lanza went to the pricipal’s office first then went to his mother’s classroom and opened fire.

According to sources, children at Sandy Hook were told to run out of the building with their eyes closed after the incident occurred.

ABC News points out this chilling statistic: There have been an estimated 31 school shootings since the shooting at Columbine in 1999.

Congresswoman-elect Elizabeth Esty offered condolences to the family of lost ones, saying: “ As a mother, I can only begin to imagine what the students, parents, teachers and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary must be experiencing. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this horrific tragedy. While details are still emerging, I hope for the safety and well being of the children, teachers and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary and for the Newtown community.”

Hartford mayor Pedro Segarra has cancelled all Winterfest Hartford activities in Bushnell Park today in light of today’s tragedy in Newton. The skating rink will be closed effective immediately and will re-open tomorrow on regular schedule.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is in Newton and will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. Malloy ordered U.S. and Connecticut flags to half-staff in recognition of the victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut this morning.

“What has happened here will leave a mark on our community. Beautiful children had thier lives taken away from them as well as adults responsible for teaching them,” Malloy said. On behalf of the people of the state of CT, we extend our condolences to parents of these children.”

Malloy thanked President Barack Obama,who was on the phone with Malloy throughout the day. Obama also offered his condolences today in a emotionally charged press conference.
Flags will fly at half-staff until burial services for the victims.