US: Connecticut School Shooter Killed 20 Children And 6 Adults

Police have confirmed that 18 children were killed at the Newtown, Connecticut elementary school shooting early Friday, with an additional two children dying in hospital. Six adults were also killed.

It is reported that the suspected gunman — who is dead — was Ryan Lanza, however officials said they cannot confirm his name yet. This is because there are some conflicting reports regarding if indeed the shooter was Ryan Lanza.

Officials confirmed that there is a secondary crime scene at a residence. It has been reported that at the other scene there is a person who is dead who lived with the suspect.

Additionally, there are unconfirmed media reports that Lanza’s mother was a teacher at the school and one of the targets.

Officials would only say that the majority of the victims were in one area of the school.

There are some reports the shooter may have been wearing body armor.

Speaking on the tragedy, President Obama offered his condolences to the families of the victims. “Our hearts are broken,” he said.

The President added that, “As a country we have been through this too many times.” Besides mentioning recent public attacks — including the shooting this week in the Clackamas Town Center shopping mall, the President said that “we’ve got to come together” as a nation and take action “whatever the politics.”

President Obama in a separate statement has ordered flags to be lowered half-staff at all “public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, December 18, 2012. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”

All Newtown schools and daycare centers are shut.