Officials Offer Prayers, Raise Issues After CT School Massacre

Public officials in New York are among the region's residents struggling to voice their shock over the slayings at the Connecticut elementary school.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino said the county stands ready to offer any assistance that could be helpful.

“As a father of three young children, two currently in elementary school, I am so deeply saddened about the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT," Astorino said. "The heartfelt prayers of my wife Sheila and I go out to the victims and families of this senseless act of violence.”

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman released this statement today on the Newtown school massacre: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the innocent victims of today’s horrific massacre. We stand with the people of Connecticut during this moment of unspeakable tragedy.”

State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. said: "There are no words to express the tremendous sense of loss and sadness we all feel right now.  Our schools are meant to be safe havens where children can learn, free from fear and violence. On behalf of the entire Board of Regents and the State Education Department, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this horrific tragedy, as well as to their families and loved ones."

State Senator Jeff Klein, leader of the breakway Independent Democratic Coalition, said continuing evaluation of guns in society was essential. "My thoughts and prayers are with the children, families, and victims of today’s devastating tragedy in Connecticut. Today’s news is a sorrowful reminder that horrifying acts of gun violence are all too common in our streets, our homes, and our schools. Heinous acts such as this must remain at the front of our minds as we continue to reevaluate the place of guns in our state and our society." 

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) spoke about the intolerable nature of mass shootings. 

“Today’s horrific act of violence in Newtown, Connecticut is senseless and heartbreaking. There are no words to express the profound grief we all feel at the loss of so many, especially young children. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their friends and family and the entire Newtown community," she said in a statement.

“We cannot tolerate mass shootings as a mere inconvenience or a normal part of our everyday lives. Easy availability of the deadliest weapons to the most dangerous people has cost countless lives and caused immeasurable suffering, never more so than today. Our expressions of sympathy must be matched with concrete actions to stop gun violence.”