Elected officials in Wisconsin are reacting to Friday’s senseless atrocity at a Connecticut elementary school. Governor Scott Walker said Friday that the Connecticut school shooting, which left 20 children six adults dead, is a tragedy. The governor spoke briefly following a ceremony honoring utility workers who traveled to the Northeast in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
He said the scope of the death toll “takes your breath away,” and that his thoughts and prayers are with the people of Connecticut. He said he spoke with the office of Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy and offered his condolences. Walker said it’s time to focus on the victims, and he didn’t want to jump to conclusions about what could be done to prevent future mass shootings.
Walker also issued this statement:
Tonette and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific mass shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. We are very aware of how senseless acts of violence affect the community, the state, and the country. We pray for the young, innocent children involved in the shooting, and for all of the victims and their loved ones, whose lives are forever changed.
State Superintendent Tony Evers issued a statement of condolence and support to the community of Newtown, Conneticut, as it deals with the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary:
My heart and prayers go out to victims of this tragic shooting and their families. Also in my heart and prayers are all the students, parents, and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. For them and for the whole community of Newtown, I offer our support as they cope with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. Their lives and their community have been changed forever.
These will be difficult times for parents and school children everywhere, including in Wisconsin. We must support and care for our children as they hear about this tragedy and try to understand that which is incomprehensible and senseless.
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin also issued a statement:
It is difficult to express the sorrow and pain surrounding the news of today’s tragedy. The unimaginable happened to kind, ordinary people, many of them children, sending fear into the hearts of loving families all over the world, including our own.
For those who died there is no tomorrow to experience the richness of life. For their families, every tomorrow is filled with pain and grief.
Let us remember that too many children die every day from anger and brutality. Every child matters; every adult matters. Let us turn to building safe schools, safe homes, and safe neighborhoods.