Lt. Paul Vance briefed Americans on the latest information on the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
The shooting took place in the morning of Friday, Dec. 14, in Newtown, Connecticut, where 18 children died in location, two died at a nearby hospital, and six adult staffers. The gunman, later to be revealed as Adam Lanza, took his own life.
In addition to the elementary school shooting, a body has been found at Lanza's home, which has been identified to be his mother.
The victims have been identified but other work has to be done first. Vance noted that after the work is done, and at the request of the family members, which have requested for privacy, they police department will release the names of the victims.
All victims have been removed from the crime scene.
For the security of the families, a trooper has been assigned to each family.
"It's going to be a long painstaking process, " said Vance, who said that not only will the inside of the school will be investigated but also the outside and parking lots.
When it comes to the weapons used by gunman Lanza, Vance said they are working as to the history of each gun he possessed.
According to Vance, evidence has been taken from Lanza's home, but he did not specificy what kind of material, if perhaps it included notes.
Vance did confirm that Lanza entered the school by force, rather than be allowed in.
Vance added that a woman is currently being treated at a hospital and no other arrests have taken place with the current investigation.
Another press conference will be scheduled for later today.
President Barack Obama was briefed and notified of the events, issuing a statement at 3:15 p.m. EST on Friday.
"These children are our children and we're going to have to come together to take meaningful action," said President Obama.
He added that the children will unfortunately never experience the upcoming holidays, birthdays, graduation, weddings, and having children of their own.
He ended his speech with, "In the words of scripture, heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds."
Obama's speech featured pauses, signifying the emotions running through as a fellow parent to two children.
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