Jump to content

Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting

Coordinates: 41°25′12″N 73°16′43″W / 41.42000°N 73.27861°W / 41.42000; -73.27861
Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by NickSchweitzer (talk | contribs) at 04:04, 15 December 2012 (→‎Suspect: clarify facebook issue -- early mistaken photos were of suspect's brother, not a third party as indicated.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
Location12 Dickenson Drive,
Sandy Hook, Newtown, Connecticut, U.S.
Coordinates41°25′12″N 73°16′43″W / 41.42000°N 73.27861°W / 41.42000; -73.27861
DateDecember 14, 2012 (2012-12-14)
9:35 a.m.[1] (EST)
TargetStudents and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School
Attack type
Mass murder, school shooting, murder-suicide, matricide, mass shooting, spree shooting
Weapons
  • Two 9mm handguns[2]
  • .223-caliber rifle (unfired and left in vehicle)[2]
    • Deaths20 children and 8 adults[3] (including the gunman and his mother); two missing[4]
    Injuredat least two wounded

    The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a school shooting on December 14, 2012 that took the lives of twenty-seven people, including twenty children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the Sandy Hook village of Newtown, Connecticut; a twenty-eighth victim died in a related incident. Three children who were shot on scene were transported to hospitals in critical condition, where two died of their injuries. The alleged perpetrator is Adam Lanza, age 20, who killed himself during the incident.[5] It was the second-deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, after the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre and the third-deadliest U.S. school massacre after the 1927 Michigan Bath School bombings and Virginia Tech massacre.[6]

    Prior to the school shooting, Lanza shot and killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, a volunteer at the school, at the home they shared in Newtown,[7] before driving her car to the school.[8] Lanza's girlfriend and a friend have also been reported missing in New Jersey.[4] Lanza's older brother Ryan was mistakenly identified as the shooter in an early report by CNN, along with other media organizations,[9] and was later voluntarily questioned by the Connecticut State Police and FBI, though he was not considered a suspect or taken into custody.[10] Some reports say that Adam was carrying Ryan's identification at the time of the shooting.[9]

    Shooting

    Authorities recovered two 9mm handguns from the scene: one a Glock and the other a SIG Sauer.[2][11] A .223 caliber rifle manufactured by Bushmaster Firearms International was found in the back of a car in the parking lot, but was not used at the school.[2] The guns were owned by and legally registered to the suspect's mother.[12] Neither handgun would have been legal for the gunman to obtain, or possess in Connecticut at the time of the incident, as he was under 21 years of age.[13][14][15] The gunman wore black military-style gear and a mask, and died by suicide.[16][17][18]

    The classroom where the shooter's mother, Nancy Lanza, worked as a kindergarten teacher was the scene of the majority of the casualties.[19] The mother was not at the school at the time of the incident; she had been shot in the face and killed by the shooter before he went to the school.[8][20]

    The principal, identified by police as Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, age 47, and the school psychologist, Mary Sherlach, age 56, were among the dead.[21][22][23] Hochsprung is being credited by police with helping to save others by activating the public address system from the office and screaming a warning to the rest of the school prior to being shot herself.[24] A custodian also ran through hallways alerting classrooms in person.[25] First grade teacher Kaitlyn Roig, age 29, hid fifteen students in a bathroom and barricaded the door, telling them to be completely quiet in order to keep them safe.[26]

    Suspect

    Police authorities said the gunman was Adam Lanza, age 20.[5] Other police sources initially reported the wrong name, giving Adam's older brother's name--Ryan Lanza, age 24--by mistake,[27] leading some news organizations to incorrectly link Facebook photos of Ryan Lanza to the shooting suspect.[28] Ryan Lanza voluntarily submitted to questioning by police, but was not considered a suspect or taken into custody.[20]

    The suspect's father, a vice president of taxes for GE Energy Financial Services and adjunct professor at Northeastern University in Boston who lives in Stamford, Connecticut, declined to comment on the shootings.[29] Ryan Lanza told law enforcement that his brother was believed to suffer from a personality disorder and was "somewhat autistic".[30] Students and teachers who knew Adam Lanza in high school described him as intelligent, but nervous and fidgety, and would normally avoid attention. According to a teacher of Lanza's, he was not known to have had any close friends in school. At the time of the attack, Lanza lived with his mother in a hilly neighborhood of newer houses five miles away from the Sandy Hook Elementary campus.[31]

    Reactions

    Domestic

    In reaction to the shooting, Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy said the following in a press statement:[32][33]

    Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to the people of Newtown, the people of Connecticut, the President of the United States, the people of the United States and, quite frankly, across the world that we've heard from since this unspeakable and tragic event occurred here. As you know, there are a number of victims: teachers, support personnel in the building and children – beautiful, beautiful children who simply came to school to learn. And their day ended a very different way than any of us could possibly have imagined. And, quite frankly, as we stand here today still can't imagine what transpired there. Evil visited this community today. And it's too early to speak of recovery but each parent, each sibling, each member of the family has to understand that Connecticut we're all in this together. We'll do whatever we can do to get through this event. We will get through it. But this is a terrible time for this community and these families...

    A night vigil with over hundreds attending at the nearby St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown was held that night; Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy was among the speakers.[34]

    At 12:41 p.m. EST, White House spokesman Jay Carney issued a brief statement saying that U.S. President Barack Obama expressed "enormous sympathy for families that are affected".[35] President Obama gave a televised address at 3:16 p.m. EST the same day, saying, "We are going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics." Obama paused twice during the address to compose himself and wipe away tears.[36][37] He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other US federal government facilities worldwide in respect for the victims.[38] Speaker of the House John Boehner ordered flags be flown at half staff at the Capitol as well.[39] In the response to President Obama's statement and the shooting itself, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg said "President Obama rightly sent his heartfelt condolences to the families in Newtown. But the country needs him to send a bill to Congress to fix this problem. Calling for ‘meaningful action’ is not enough."[40]

    A statement attributed to Alaska Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell, who grew up in Sandy Hook and attended the school as a child, was posted on Facebook after the shooting:[41]

    From the second through the fifth grade, I was a student at Sandy Hook elementary School, site of today's tragic events. The park where the press conference was held afterwards was Treadwell Park, named for my father who was for several years First Selectman (Mayor) of that town before his death in 1973. I'm just sick and in tears for these kids, these teachers, these families. I know those hallways like the back of my hand, and those playgrounds, and to think today that they are the scene they are just breaks my heart. Hug your kids, say your prayers, and work for peace, and appreciate every day we have with each other in this world.

    Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York called for more talk about stricter gun laws: "If now is not the time to have a serious discussion about gun control and the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our society, I don't know when is." He also stated, "I am challenging President Obama, the Congress and the American public to act on our outrage and, finally, do something about this."[42]

    United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan released the following statement:

    School shootings are always incomprehensible and horrific tragedies. But words fail to describe today's heartbreaking and savage attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School. As the father of two children in elementary school, I can barely imagine the anguish and losses suffered today by the Newtown community. Our hearts and prayers go out to every parent, child, teacher, staff member, and administrator at Sandy Hook and the surrounding community. And our thanks go out to every teacher, staff member, and first responder who cared for, comforted, and protected children from harm, often at risk to themselves. We will do everything in our power to assist and support the healing and recovery of Newtown.[43]

    International

    • Australia Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard published a press release, stating that the Australian people "share America’s shock at this senseless and incomprehensible act of evil. As parents and grandparents, as brothers and sisters, as friends of the American people, we mourn the loss of children, aged only five to ten years, whose futures lay before them. We mourn the loss of brave teachers who sought only to lead their students into that future but were brutally murdered in a place of refuge and learning".[44]
    • Canada Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrote on Twitter: "The news is just awful. The thoughts and prayers of Canadians are with the students and families in Connecticut affected by this senseless violence."[45]
    • France French President François Hollande commented that he was "horrified" when heard about the event.[46]
    • Norway Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Facebook: "My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones in the horrible shooting in Connecticut."[47]
    • United Kingdom British Prime Minister David Cameron wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts are with those who've been devastated by the Connecticut shootings."[48]

    See also

    References

    1. ^ Alix Bryan (December 14, 2012). "TIMELINE: Connecticut elementary school shooting updates". WTVR. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    2. ^ a b c d Pete Williams (December 14, 2012). "Elementary school massacre: 27 dead, including 20 kids, in Connecticut". NBC News. Retrieved December 14, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
    3. ^ "20 children among dead at school shooting in Connecticut". CBC News. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    4. ^ a b "Adam Lanza's girlfriend and another friend missing; mother found dead in home". KPLU. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    5. ^ a b c Miguel Llanos (December 14, 2012). "Authorities ID gunman who killed 27 in elementary school massacre". NBC News. Associated Press. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    6. ^ "Deadliest mass shootings around the world". KABC-TV. ABC News. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    7. ^ "Gunman dead after killing 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school". December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    8. ^ a b Richard Esposito, Candice Smith, and Christina Ng (December 14, 2012). "20 Children Died in Newtown, Conn., School Massacre". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved December 14, 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
    9. ^ a b "Media Initially Identify Adam Lanza, Newtown Shooting Suspect, As Ryan Lanza, His Brother". Huffington Post. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    10. ^ CNN, NBC and ABC all confirmed the same information as of December 14, 2012
    11. ^ Rachel Quigley (December 14, 2012). "Children and adults gunned down in Connecticut school . Cops quizzing kid brother". Daily Mail. Archived from the original on March 17, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
    12. ^ "Gunman kills 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school". Fox News. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    13. ^ "Connecticut". National Rifle Association. August 22, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    14. ^ Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29–34(b), § 29–35.
    15. ^ Gunman's mother owned weapons used in Connecticut school massacre – U.S. News
    16. ^ Joseph Goldstein and William Rashbaum (December 14, 2012). "27 Killed in Connecticut Shooting, Including 20 Children". The New York Times. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    17. ^ "Gunman kills 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school". FoxNews.com. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    18. ^ Connecticut gun rampage: 28 dead, including 20 schoolchildren – Reuters. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
    19. ^ "Elementary School Massacre". MSNBC. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    20. ^ a b Pete Yost (December 14, 2012). "Conn. school shooting: Adam Lanza ID's as shooter". KSDK. Multimedia KSDK, Inc. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    21. ^ "AP Source: Conn. shooter is Ryan Lanza's younger brother Adam Lanza". phillyBurbs.com. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    22. ^ Michael Martinez (December 14, 2012). "Slain Connecticut principal just implemented new security measures". CNN. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    23. ^ Tom Cleary (December 14, 2012). "Second victim identified". Connecticut Post. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    24. ^ "27 dead including 20 children, gunman in Newtown shooting". Stamford Advocate. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012. Hochsprung is being credited with helping to save others by activating the school's public address system during the initial flurry of bullets, according to a law enforcement source.
    25. ^ John Christoffersen (December 14, 2012). "20 children, 6 adults killed at Connecticut school". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    26. ^ Tom Cleary (December 14, 2012). ""'Hero teacher' rushed students to bathroom to keep students safe"". Connecticut News. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    27. ^ Spencer Ackerman (December 14, 2012). "Internet Identifies, Threatens Wrong Man as Newtown Shooter". Wired Magazine. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    28. ^ Jon Campbell (December 14, 2012). "Ryan Lanza Facebook Mistake: Wrong Lanza Hounded as Newtown Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Details Emerge". Christian Post. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    29. ^ "Father of Newtown shooter lives in Stamford". Stamford Advocate. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    30. ^ "AP Source: Suspect Killed Mother At Their Home". Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    31. ^ David M. Halbfinger (December 14, 2012). "A Gunman, Recalled as Intelligent and Shy, Who Left Few Footprints in Life". New York Times. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    32. ^ Susan Candiotti; Sarah Aarthun (December 14, 2012). "Police: 20 children among 26 victims of Connecticut school shooting". CNN. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    33. ^ "Conn. Governor: 'evil visited this community'". AOL. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    34. ^ "Hundreds pack Conn. church for vigil after rampage". CBS News. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    35. ^ "Official with knowledge of Conn. school shooting: 27 dead, including 18 children". Washington Post. Associated Press. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    36. ^ Sabrina Siddiqui and Elise Foley (December 14, 2012). "Obama On Connecticut Shooting: We Need 'Meaningful Action'". Huffington Post. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    37. ^ Michael O'Brien (December 14, 2012). "An emotional Obama: 'They had their entire lives ahead of them'". NBC News. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    38. ^ "Presidential Proclamation – Honoring the Victims of the Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut". White House Press Office. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    39. ^ Rosalind Helderman (December 15, 2012). "Boehner orders Capitol flags at half staff". Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    40. ^ David Taintor (December 14, 2012). "Bloomberg On CT Shooting: Calling For Meaningful Action Is Not Enough". Talking Points Memo. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    41. ^ "Timeline Photos". Facebook.
    42. ^ Susan Davis (December 14, 2012). "Congress reacts to Connecticut school shooting". USA Today. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    43. ^ "Children and adults gunned down in Connecticut school massacre". CNN. Turner Broadcasting Company. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    44. ^ "Live updates: US school shooting massacre". CNBC News. December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
    45. ^ Bruce Cheadle (December 14, 2012). "Politicians recoil from politics of shootings while online debate rages". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    46. ^ "20 children among 27 dead in Conn. school shooting, police say". Azcentral.com. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    47. ^ Jens Stoltenberg (December 14, 2012). "Jens Stoltenberg". Facebook. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    48. ^ Andy Rudd (December 14, 2012). "Connecticut school shooting: Madman kills at least 26, including 20 children, in horrific gun rampage". The Daily Mirror. Retrieved December 14, 2012.

    External links

    Wikinews has related news:
    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sandy_Hook_Elementary_School_shooting&oldid=528110165"