The mass shooting Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., has drawn expressions of grief and condolences from politicians across the state and around the country.
Take a look at some of their reactions on Twitter:
Politicians React To Newtown Elementary School Shooting
Rep. Ron Barber (D-Ariz.)(01 of07)
"Today’s tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. is a devastating loss for the families, the people of that community and for all Americans," said Rep. Ron Barber (D-Ariz.), who was wounded in the Tucson, Arizona shootings. "It is especially painful because it took place in classrooms where children should feel safe as they grow and learn. As those of us in Tucson know, senseless acts such as these tear at the very fabric of a community. In times like this, we come together to support each other. To the people of Newtown, we are with you today and in the days, weeks and months ahead. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those who were killed or injured today as well as to the first responders, law enforcement personnel and medical teams who are treating the victims. All of Tucson and Southern Arizona as well as the entire nation stand with the people of Newtown." (credit:AP)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)(02 of07)
“I am in shock and disbelief at this horrible tragedy that took so many innocent lives today," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said in a statement. "As a father and grandfather, it is beyond my comprehension why anyone would want to hurt innocent children. I join the millions of Americans whose thoughts and hearts are with those suffering because of this horrible crime in Connecticut.” (credit:AP)
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)(03 of07)
“I am absolutely horrified by news of the cold-blooded shooting of dozens of children in Newtown, Connecticut," Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) said in a statement. "Yet another unstable person has gotten access to firearms and committed an unspeakable crime against innocent children. We cannot simply accept this as a routine product of modern American life. 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. How many more Columbines and Newtowns must we live through? I am challenging President Obama, the Congress, and the American public to act on our outrage and, finally, do something about this.” (credit:AP)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)(04 of07)
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families of this tragedy," Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said in a statement. "The entire nation stands with the community of Newtown. Today is a day for mourning and prayer, but we must immediately get to work to end these senseless, mass killings of innocent Americans. Together, we must act now to stop the carnage.” (credit:AP)
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.)(05 of07)
U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) released the following statement today following the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut: “This is a day of great sadness in America, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. This latest shooting tragedy is an unthinkable act of violence carried out against young children and innocent people. Americans are sick and tired of these attacks on our children and neighbors and they are sick and tired of nothing being done in Washington to stop the bloodshed. If we do not take action to address gun violence, shooting tragedies like this will continue. As President Obama said, we must act now 'regardless of the politics.'” (credit:AP)
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Oh.)(06 of07)
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today released the following statement after at least one gunman killed more than 25 people, including 18 children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.“Today’s shooting was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. Our hearts ache for the victims and their families. While we don’t know why this attack took place, it is an attack on education, on public safety and on our children.“For those of us outside the direct impact of this tragedy, our mourning turns into a search for ways to ensure that these shootings do not continue to happen.“There is an undercurrent of violence in our society that is becoming more powerful. Whenever it surfaces it brings great tragedy and we pray: never again. But ‘never again’ keeps happening. Malls, schools, movie theaters; these murders attack our sense of community.“It is long past time that we take an organized approach to addressing the violence in our society and that is exactly what the proposal for a cabinet level Department of Peace is all about. We must reject violence and take an organized approach to averting violence.“My thoughts are with the parents of the school children and the families of the adults who lost their lives.” (credit:AP)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R)(07 of07)
Gov. Rick Perry today released the following statement regarding this morning's tragic elementary school shooting in Connecticut:"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." (credit:AP)
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.