Revision as of 00:32, 17 December 2012 view sourceWWGB (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers155,428 edits →Reactions: add to the Hucker← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 07:07, 8 January 2025 view source (乛-乛) (talk | contribs)103 editsm →Video gamesTag: Visual edit | ||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, U.S.}} | |||
{{pp-move|expiry=2012-12-22T17:07:05Z|small=yes}}{{pp-semi-blp|expiry=December 22, 2012|small=yes}} | |||
{{pp|small=y}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2012}}{{Current|date=December 2012}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}} | |||
{{Infobox civilian attack | {{Infobox civilian attack | ||
| title |
| title = Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting | ||
| image |
| image = Police at Sandy Hook.PNG | ||
| caption = Police at the scene of the shooting | |||
| caption = Location of Newtown <br> within ], ] | |||
| map = {{infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|41|25|12|N|73|16|43|W}}|frame-width=250|zoom=15}} | |||
| date = {{Start date|2012|12|14}} | |||
| map_caption = Location of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut | |||
| time = approximately 9:35 a.m. to 9:56 a.m. | |||
| location = Sandy Hook Elementary School, ], U.S. | |||
| timezone = ] | |||
| target = Students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School | |||
| location = {{nowrap|], Connecticut, U.S.}} | |||
| date = {{start date and age|December 14, 2012}} | |||
| coordinates = {{coord|41|25|12|N|73|16|43|W|region:US-CT_type:event|display=inline,title}}<ref name="GNIS"/> | |||
| time-begin = {{Circa|9:35}} | |||
| type = ], ], ], ], ] | |||
| time-end = {{nowrap|{{Circa|9:40{{nbsp}}a.m.}}}} ] | |||
| perp = Adam Peter Lanza<ref name="ID"/><ref name="washingtonpost"/> | |||
| timezone = ] | |||
| target = Students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School | |||
| type = {{hlist |] |] |] |] |] |] |]}} | |||
| weapons = Four recovered at the school:<ref name="conn-school"/><ref name="SFCEvidence" /> <li>.223 ] <li>] ] ] <li>] ] handgun <li>a ] found in the car Lanza drove to the site | |||
| fatalities = 28 (27 at the school, including the perpetrator; and the perpetrator's mother at home)<ref name="nytimes1">{{cite news |last=Barron |first=James |title=Children Were All Shot Multiple Times With a Semiautomatic, Officials Say |work=] |date=December 15, 2012 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/nyregion/gunman-kills-20-children-at-school-in-connecticut-28-dead-in-all.html |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216184847/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/nyregion/gunman-kills-20-children-at-school-in-connecticut-28-dead-in-all.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cbc">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/20-children-among-dead-in-connecticut-school-massacre-1.1134782 |work=] |title=20 children among dead at school shooting in Connecticut |access-date=December 14, 2012 |date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=December 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214173829/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| fatalities = 28<ref name="nytimes1"/><ref name="cbc"/> (including perpetrator) | |||
| injuries = 2<ref name="Police: Second person injured in Connecticut school shooting survived">{{cite web |title=Police: Second person injured in Connecticut school shooting survived |url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/17/15969867-police-second-person-injured-in-connecticut-school-shooting-survived?lite |website=] |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=April 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416220342/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/17/15969867-police-second-person-injured-in-connecticut-school-shooting-survived?lite |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| injuries = 1<ref name="WashingtonPost"/> | |||
| perp = Adam Lanza<ref name="ID">{{cite news |first=Miguel |last=Llanos |title=Authorities ID gunman who killed 27 in elementary school massacre |url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15911025-authorities-id-gunman-who-killed-27-in-elementary-school-massacre?lite |work=] |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 14, 2012 |date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216022608/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15911025-authorities-id-gunman-who-killed-27-in-elementary-school-massacre?lite |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost">{{cite news |last=Jennings |first=Natalie |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2012/12/14/mark-kelly-action-on-guns-can-no-longer-wait |title=Mark Kelly: Action on guns 'can no longer wait' |newspaper=] |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215215956/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2012/12/14/mark-kelly-action-on-guns-can-no-longer-wait/}}</ref> | |||
| motive = | |||
| weapons = {{bulleted list |] |] |] handgun (unused)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/25/adam-lanza-shooting-sandy-hook-elementary-school-n/?page=all |work=The Washington Times |title=What would have prevented Lanza from mass murder at Sandy Hook?|date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=December 24, 2013 |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220061905/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/25/adam-lanza-shooting-sandy-hook-elementary-school-n/?page=all |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CTSP-20130118" /> |] ] ] rifle<ref name="conn-school">{{cite news |title=Conn. school shooter had 4 weapons |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-school-shooter-had-4-weapons/ |access-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215184407/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57559395/conn-school-shooter-had-4-weapons/ |url-status=live}}</ref> |] ] (unused; left in car)<ref name="CTSP-20130118" /><ref name="Newtown shooter's guns: What we know" />}} | |||
}} | |||
| motive = Inconclusive<ref name="cnn.com">{{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Christopher |title=Adam Lanza's motive a mystery in Sandy Hook killings |url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/ferguson-sandy-hook/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=July 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127185647/https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/ferguson-sandy-hook/index.html |archive-date=November 27, 2013 |language=English |date=November 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| dfen = | |||
| litigation = ] lawsuit against ] settled for $73 million<ref>{{cite web |url=https://usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/02/15/sandy-hook-families-reach-settlement-remington-arms/6797030001 |title=Sandy Hook families agree to $73 million settlement with gunmaker Remington |last=Fernando |first=Christine |date=February 15, 2022 |work=USA Today |access-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215200022/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/02/15/sandy-hook-families-reach-settlement-remington-arms/6797030001/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
}}<!-- end of Infobox civilian attack --> | |||
On December 14, 2012, a ] occurred at the ] in ], United States. The perpetrator, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, shot and killed 26 people. The victims were 20 children between six and seven years old, and 6 adult staff members. Earlier that day, before driving to the school, Lanza fatally shot his mother at their Newtown home. As ] arrived at the school, Lanza killed himself with a gunshot to the head. | |||
<!-- Per MOS:BOLDTITLE and WP:SBE, neither the article's title nor related text appears in bold. --> | |||
On December 14, 2012, a gunman killed twenty children and six adult staff members<!--This should be "20 and 6", not "20 and six"; see WP:NUMERAL and talk page--> at ] in the ] village of ], ], before committing suicide. It was the second-deadliest ] in United States history, after the 2007 ],<ref name="Connecticut school victims were shot multiple times"/> and the second-deadliest attack at an American school of ], after the ] of 1927.<ref name="Connecticut school shooting is second worst in US history"/> | |||
The incident is the deadliest mass shooting in Connecticut history and the deadliest at an ] in U.S. history. The shooting prompted renewed debate about ], including proposals to make the ] universal, and for new ] banning the sale and manufacture of certain types of semi-automatic ] and ] which can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. | |||
<!-- Details about the timeline of the shooting should go into the section called "Shooting." --> | |||
The gunman, identified by authorities as 20-year-old Adam Lanza, had first killed his mother, Nancy Lanza, at their nearby Newtown home. He then drove to the school and shot the students and employees before killing himself. The total death toll was twenty-eight, including the perpetrator.<ref name="ID"/><ref name="Gunman dead after killing 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school"/><ref name="esposito"/> | |||
A November 2013 report issued by the Connecticut State Attorney's office stated that Lanza acted alone and planned his actions, but provided no indication of why he did so, or why he targeted the school. A report issued by the Office of the Child Advocate in November 2014 said that Lanza had ] and, as a teenager, suffered from ], ], and ], but concluded that these factors "neither caused nor led to his murderous acts". The report went on to say, "his severe and deteriorating internalized mental health problems{{nbsp}} combined with an atypical preoccupation with violence{{nbsp}} (and) access to deadly weapons{{nbsp}} proved a recipe for mass murder."<ref name="UJO4Q">, p.9, section 36</ref> | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
As of November 30, 2012, |
As of November 30, 2012, 456 children were enrolled in ] through ] at Sandy Hook Elementary School.<ref name="Enrollment Report as of November 30, 2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.newtown.k12.ct.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=yrE601iIboU%3d&tabid=3295&mid=39347 |title=Enrollment Report as of November 30, 2012 |website=Newtown Public School District |date=December 4, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604214036/http://newtown.k12.ct.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=yrE601iIboU%3d&tabid=3295&mid=39347 |archive-date=June 4, 2014}}</ref> The school's security protocols had recently been upgraded, requiring visitors to be individually admitted after visual and identification review by video monitor. Doors to the school were locked at 9:30{{nbsp}}a.m. each day, after morning arrivals.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news |last=Barron |first=James |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school.html |title=Nation Reels After Gunman Massacres 20 Children at School in Connecticut |work=The New York Times |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-date=December 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220213427/http://www.nytimes.com//2012/12/15/nyregion/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Newtown is in ], about {{convert|17|mi|km|sigfig=1}} from New Haven, {{convert|30|mi|km|sigfig=1}} from Hartford, and {{convert|60|mi|km|sigfig=1}} from New York City.<ref name="Newtown">{{cite web|title=Welcome to the Town of Newtown|url=http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_WebDocs/about|website=Town of Newtown |access-date=January 1, 2013|archive-date=May 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515224816/http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_WebDocs/about|url-status=live}}</ref> Violent crime had been rare in the town of 28,000 residents; there was only one homicide in the town in the ten years before the school shooting.<ref name="Police: 20 children among 27 victims of Connecticut school shooting">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/14/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html|title='Why? Why?': 26 dead in elementary school massacre|website=CNN|first1=Susan|last1=Candiotti|first2=Sarah|last2=Aarthun|date=December 15, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215034904/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/14/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Newtown was described by residents as being known for its "rural charm" and its family-oriented environment; violent crime was rare in the town of 28,000 residents. There had been only one homicide in the town in the ten years prior to the school shooting.<ref name="Police: 20 children among 27 victims of Connecticut school shooting"/> | |||
Under the ] at the time,<ref name="cga"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731135820/http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap950.htm |date=July 31, 2012}} (defining "'pistol' or 'revolver'" as "any firearm having a barrel less than twelve inches"); {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907175738/http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap529.htm |date=September 7, 2013}} (banning any transfer of a ] or ] to a person under 21, except for temporary and supervised use at a target range)</ref> the 20-year-old Lanza was old enough to carry a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun,<ref name="nytimes9">{{cite news |last1=Fessenden |first1=Ford |first2=Alicia |last2=Parlapiano |first3=Alan |last3=McClean |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/12/17/nyregion/connecticuts-rules-for-purchasing-this-gun.html |title=Connecticut's Rules for Purchasing This Gun |work=] |date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219234632/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/12/17/nyregion/connecticuts-rules-for-purchasing-this-gun.html |url-status=live}}</ref> but too young to own or carry handguns.<ref name="nbcusnews">{{cite news|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15913678-gunmans-mother-owned-weapons-used-in-connecticut-school-massacre|title=Gunman's mother owned weapons used in Connecticut school massacre|date=December 14, 2012|access-date=December 15, 2012|work=NBC News|first1=Pete|last1=Williams|first2=Kari|last2=Huus|archive-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216074745/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15913678-gunmans-mother-owned-weapons-used-in-connecticut-school-massacre|url-status=live}}</ref> The guns he used had been purchased legally by his mother.<ref name="E2o72">{{cite news |last1=Flegenheimer |first1=Matt |last2=Somaiya |first2=Ravi |title=A Mother, a Gun Enthusiast and the First Victim |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/nyregion/friends-of-gunmans-mother-his-first-victim-recall-her-as-generous.html |access-date=August 7, 2020 |work=] |date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817212200/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/nyregion/friends-of-gunmans-mother-his-first-victim-recall-her-as-generous.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="oFWN5">{{cite news |last1=Hermann |first1=Peter |last2=Rosenwald |first2=Michael S. |title=Newtown school shooter's mother collected guns, was loath to let people inside home |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/newtown-school-shooters-mother-collected-guns-was-loath-to-let-people-inside-home/2012/12/15/d89c2732-4706-11e2-8061-253bccfc7532_story.html |access-date=August 7, 2020 |newspaper=] |date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726201133/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/newtown-school-shooters-mother-collected-guns-was-loath-to-let-people-inside-home/2012/12/15/d89c2732-4706-11e2-8061-253bccfc7532_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Shootings== | |||
] | |||
==Events== | |||
Some time before 9:30 a.m. on December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza is believed to have fatally shot his mother Nancy Lanza (née Champion), aged 52, in the face at their Newtown home.<ref name="esposito"/> Investigators later found her body in her bed, wearing pajamas, with evidence of four gunshots to the head.<ref name="NPRAP12-16-12"/> Adam apparently then drove his mother's car to the Sandy Hook Elementary School,<ref name="Gunman dead after killing 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school"/><ref name="esposito"/> where he forced his way into the building<ref name="nytimesForcedEntry"/><ref name="Newtown school shooting: Sandy Hook School"/> wearing black military-style gear, including a ] and mask.<ref name="Tragedy at an Elementary School"/><ref name="Authorities Search for Motives Behind Elementary School Shooting Massacre"/> | |||
{{quote box|title=List of deaths|source=Sources:<ref name="abcvictims">{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/connecticut-elementary-school-shooting-victims-hero-teacher-principal/story?id=17982784 |title=Connecticut Elementary School Shooting Victims: 'Hero' Teacher, Principal, 20 Kids |newspaper=ABC News |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218071842/http://abcnews.go.com/US/connecticut-elementary-school-shooting-victims-hero-teacher-principal/story?id=17982784 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="courant1">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-shooting-connecticut-factbox-idUSBRE8BE0DD20121215 |title=Factbox: Identities of Connecticut shooting victims |work=Reuters |date=December 15, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=March 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328190217/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-shooting-connecticut-factbox-idUSBRE8BE0DD20121215 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cbslocal1">{{cite news |title=CT State Police Release Names Of Victims In School Shooting Massacre |work=CBS News |date=December 15, 2012 |url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/12/15/ct-state-police-release-names-of-victims-in-school-shooting-massacre/ |access-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218082644/http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/12/15/ct-state-police-release-names-of-victims-in-school-shooting-massacre/ |url-status=live}}</ref>|quote={{Plainlist|1= | |||
'''Killed:''' | |||
* <u>Perpetrator's mother:</u> | |||
** Nancy Lanza, 52 (shot at home)<ref name="EwXZf">{{cite news |url=https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Sandy-Hook-victims-families-struggle-with-12417381.php |title=Sandy Hook victims' families struggle with feelings about Nancy Lanza |first=Rob |last=Ryser |date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=September 22, 2018 |newspaper=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114013538/http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Sandy-Hook-victims-families-struggle-with-12417381.php |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
* <u>School personnel:</u> | |||
** Rachel D'Avino, 29, behavior therapist<ref name="Victim Rachel D'Avino">{{cite news |url=http://www.westhartfordnews.com/articles/2012/12/19/news/doc50cf551bee764427938314.txt |title=Victim Rachel D'Avino, killed days before marriage proposal, had ties to UHart and USJ |last=Poulisse |first=Adam |date=December 19, 2012 |work=Berkshire Eagle |access-date=December 20, 2012 |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723232913/http://www.westhartfordnews.com/articles/2012/12/19/news/doc50cf551bee764427938314.txt |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
** Dawn Hochsprung, 47, principal | |||
** Anne Marie Murphy, 52, special education teacher<ref name="Connecticut shooting: Services for Katonah native Anne Marie Murphy set">{{cite web|url=http://newyork.newsday.com/news/nation/connecticut-shooting-services-for-katonah-native-anne-marie-murphy-set-1.4339113|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219013848/http://newyork.newsday.com/news/nation/connecticut-shooting-services-for-katonah-native-anne-marie-murphy-set-1.4339113|archive-date=December 19, 2012 |title=Connecticut shooting: Services for Katonah native Anne Marie Murphy set |work=Newsday |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref> | |||
** Lauren Rousseau, 30, teacher | |||
** Mary Sherlach, 56, school psychologist | |||
** ], 27, teacher | |||
* <u>Students:</u> | |||
** Charlotte Bacon, 6<ref name="SWZ0B">{{cite news|title=Sandy Hook Parents: How We Honor Our Daughter's Memory|first=JoAnn|last=Bacon|url=https://time.com/4175760/charlotte-bacon-sandy-hook/|work=Time Magazine|date=January 12, 2016|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819155257/http://time.com/4175760/charlotte-bacon-sandy-hook/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
** Daniel Barden, 7 | |||
** Olivia Engel, 6 | |||
** Josephine Gay, 7 | |||
** Dylan Hockley, 6 | |||
** Madeleine Hsu, 6 | |||
** Catherine Hubbard, 6 | |||
** Chase Kowalski, 7 | |||
** Jesse Lewis, 6 | |||
** Ana Márquez-Greene, 6 | |||
** James Mattioli, 6 | |||
** Grace McDonnell, 7 | |||
** Emilie Parker, 6 | |||
** Jack Pinto, 6 | |||
** Noah Pozner, 6 | |||
** Caroline Previdi, 6<ref name="gk1mo">{{cite news |title=Caroline Previdi Foundation |url=http://www.carolineprevidifoundation.org/ |access-date=August 30, 2017 |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831174111/http://www.carolineprevidifoundation.org/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
** Jessica Rekos, 6 | |||
** Avielle Richman, 6 | |||
** Benjamin Wheeler, 6 | |||
** Allison Wyatt, 6 | |||
* <u>Perpetrator:</u> | |||
** Adam Lanza, 20 (suicide) | |||
'''Wounded:''' | |||
Lanza started shooting at about 9:35 a.m., approximately half an hour after the school day began.<ref name="wtvr"/> Some of those present reported that initial shots were heard on the school's ] system, which was being used for morning announcements.<ref name="nytimes"/> Principal Dawn Hochsprung and school psychologist Mary Sherlach were in a meeting with several other faculty members when gun shots were heard from outside the room.<ref name="DMUK" /> Hochsprung and Sherlach immediately left the room and rushed to the source of the sounds.<ref name="wsj5"/> Diane Day, a school therapist, who was present in the meeting, reported hearing screaming followed by more gun shots.<ref name="wsj5"/> Natalie Hammond, the vice principal and lead teacher who was also present in the faculty meeting, pressed her body against the door to keep it closed.<ref name="wsj5"/><ref name="CBS3"/> Hammond was shot from the other side of the door in the leg and arm and later treated at Danbury Hospital.<ref name="wsj5"/><ref name="CBS3" /> Hochsprung and Sherlach were fatally shot in the hallway nearby.<ref name="DMUK"/> | |||
* Natalie Hammond, 40, lead teacher | |||
* Deborah Pisani<ref name="pG7Su">{{cite news|title=Families Of Sandy Hook Victims Sue Nancy Lanza Estate|first=Dave|last=Altimari|url=http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-sandy-hook-lanza-lawsuit-20150313-story.html|work=Hartford Courant|date=March 14, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-date=August 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807083402/http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-sandy-hook-lanza-lawsuit-20150313-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Teacher Victoria Soto attempted to hide several children in the closet and cupboards.<ref name="DMUK"/><ref name="GuardianSoto"/><ref name="sacrificed" /> Lanza entered Soto's room, whereupon Soto put herself between him and her students, and was fatally shot in the process.<ref name="DMUK"/><ref name="sacrificed"/> Lauren Rousseau, a substitute teacher since October, was reported to have been shot in the face and killed.<ref name="newsday1"/> Anne Marie Murphy's body was found in her classroom amongst the bodies of her students in a shielding position.<ref name="newsday1"/> | |||
Elsewhere in the building, the custodian ran through the hallways, alerting classrooms in person.<ref name="abclocal"/> First grade teacher Kaitlyn Roig, age 29, hid fourteen students in a bathroom and barricaded the door, telling them to be completely quiet in order to keep them safe.<ref name="afp"/><ref name="ctnews"/> Maryann Jacob, the school's library clerk, instructed eighteen children to crawl into a storage room, then barricaded the door using a filing cabinet.<ref name="Newtown school massacre victims identified"/> Laura Feinstein, a reading specialist at the school, gathered two students from outside her classroom and together they hid under desks after gun shots were heard.<ref name="Tales of Sandy Hook heroism, young and old"/> Feinstein made two calls, one to the school office and the other, unsuccessfully, to ]. After approximately forty minutes, they were led out of the room.<ref name="'Absolutely heartbreaking': Sandy Hook teacher's terrifying experience"/> | |||
Lanza stopped shooting between 9:46 a.m. and 9:53 a.m. after firing approximately fifty to one hundred shots.<ref name="register"/> All victims were shot multiple times and at least one victim was shot eleven times.<ref name="nbcnews"/> Most of the shooting took place in two first-grade classrooms, with fourteen killed in one room and six in the other. The children killed were six and seven years old; there were eight boys and twelve girls.<ref name="Children in Connecticut rampage were six, seven; shot multiple times"/> The six adults were all women who worked at the school. A total of twenty-eight people were fatally shot that morning, including Lanza who shot himself in the head as ]s arrived at the school.<ref name="Coroner: Conn. gunman shot mom repeatedly in head"/><ref name="nyt"/><ref name="Fox News"/><ref name="foxnews1"/> | |||
==Response by authorities== | |||
State police received the first ] call at 9:41 a.m.<ref name="afp"/> and with Newtown police, quickly mobilized local ] and tactical units, the bomb squad, and a state police helicopter.<ref name="courant"/> Police began to evacuate the locked-down school room-by-room, escorting groups of students and adults away from the school.<ref name="courant"/> The school was swept for additional shooters at least four times by the police.<ref name="courant"/> No shots were fired by the authorities.<ref name="courant"/> Starting around 10:00 a.m., the ] scrambled extra medical personnel in expectation of having to treat numerous victims, though only three wounded patients were evacuated to the hospital, where two were later declared dead.<ref name="courant"/><ref name="Danbury Hospital Prepared For School Shooting Massive Casualties, Got Few"/> The ] dispatched a portable morgue to assist with the aftermath.<ref name="nytimes"/> | |||
==Investigation== | |||
] (with magazines); a ] similar to the primary weapon used in the shooting.<ref name="cnn1"/>]] | |||
Investigators did not find a suicide note or any messages referring to the planning of the attack. Janet Robinson, the school superintendent, said she had found no connection between Lanza's mother and the school, in contrast to initial accounts from authorities that she had worked there.<ref name="Gunman Kills 20 Children at School in Connecticut"/> Police also investigated whether Lanza was the person who had been in a reported "altercation" with four staff members at Sandy Hook School the day before the massacre. It was presumed that he killed two of such four staff members (the principal and the psychologist) and wounded the third (the vice-principal) in the attack; the fourth staff member was not at the school that day.<ref name="Newtown gunman had 'altercation' with school staff day before massacre"/> Lt. J. Paul Vance of the ] noted in a news conference later that he knew of no reports about Lanza's being involved in any altercations at the school.<ref name="Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7 (06:22 PM ET)"/> | |||
===Weapons=== | |||
Authorities recovered three ]s next to Adam Lanza: a ] rifle, a ] ],<ref name="SFCEvidence" /> and a ] ] handgun.<ref name="conn-school"/><ref name="NBC News Dec 14" /><ref name="Daily Mail" /><ref name="cnnlatest"/> A shotgun was found in the car Lanza drove to the school.<ref name="SFCEvidence"/> At home, Lanza "had access"<ref name="cnnlatest"/> to three more firearms: a ], a ], and a ], but it is unclear as to where these weapons were located.<ref name="Connecticut school victims were shot multiple times" /><ref name="cnn1"/> The weapons were ] by Lanza's mother, who is reported to have been a gun enthusiast.<ref name="NBC News Dec 14" /><ref name="nydailynews"/> Authorities found a very large quantity of unused ammunition at the school.<ref name="EVIDENCE HINTS AT DEADLIER PLAN IN CONN. MASSACRE"/> On December 16, Police say Lanza used the rifle against most of the victims.<ref name="Newtown Shooter Used a Rifle Popular Among Gunowners"/> According to the medical examiner, all victims were shot with the same "long weapon" and were hit multiple times; one of the bodies had eleven gunshot wounds.<ref name="Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7"/> Adam Lanza was too young to legally own or carry handguns under Connecticut law.<ref name="nraila"/><ref name="conn"/><ref name="nbcusnews"/><ref name="Gunman kills 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school" /> | |||
==Victims== | |||
<div style="float:right; margin:0 0 1.5em 2em; width:auto; border:1px solid #a0a0a0; padding:10px; background:#f9f9f9; font-size:80%; white-space:nowrap;"> | |||
<div style="font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; text-align:center;">Killed<ref name="abcvictims"/><ref name="cbslocal1"/></div> | |||
{{Plainlist|1= | |||
* '''Nancy Lanza''', 52, perpetrator's mother | |||
* '''Rachel Davino''', 29, teacher | |||
* '''Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung''', 47, principal | |||
* '''Anne Marie Murphy''', 52, teacher | |||
* '''Lauren Rousseau''', 30, teacher | |||
* '''Mary Sherlach''', 56, school psychologist | |||
* '''Victoria Soto''', 27, teacher | |||
* '''Charlotte Bacon''', 6 | |||
* '''Daniel Barden''', 7 | |||
* '''Olivia Engel''', 6 | |||
* '''Josephine Gay''', 7 | |||
* '''Dylan Hockley''', 6 | |||
* '''Madeline F. Hsu''', 6 | |||
* '''Catherine Violet Hubbard''', 6 | |||
* '''Chase Kowalski''', 7 | |||
* '''Jesse Lewis''', 6 | |||
* '''Ana Marquez-Greene''', 6 | |||
* '''James Mattioli''', 6 | |||
* '''Grace McDonnell''', 6 | |||
* '''Emilie Parker''', 6 | |||
* '''Jack Pinto''', 6 | |||
* '''Noah Pozner''', 6 | |||
* '''Caroline Previdi''', 6 | |||
* '''Jessica Rekos''', 6 | |||
* '''Avielle Richman''', 6 | |||
* '''Benjamin Wheeler''', 6 | |||
* '''Allison N. Wyatt''', 6 | |||
}} | }} | ||
<div style="font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; text-align:center;">Wounded</div> | |||
{{Plainlist|1= | |||
* '''Natalie Hammond''', vice principal | |||
}} | }} | ||
</div> | |||
===Murder of Nancy Lanza=== | |||
The victims' bodies were removed from the school and identified during the night after the shooting.<ref name=satpressconf/><ref name="cbsnews"/> The ] said all the deaths were homicides as the result of multiple gunshot wounds.<ref name="Gunman Kills 20 Children at School in Connecticut"/> A state trooper was assigned to each of the victims' families to protect their privacy and to provide information directly to them ahead of press releases by the authorities. | |||
Sometime before 9:30{{nbsp}}a.m. ] on December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza shot and killed his mother Nancy Lanza, aged 52, with a ] ] rifle at their Newtown home.<ref name="esposito">{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/twenty-children-died-newtown-connecticut-school-shooting/story?id=17973836 |title=20 Children Died in Newtown, Conn., School Massacre |agency=Associated Press |first1=Richard |last1=Esposito |first2=Candice |last2=Smith |first3=Christina |last3=Ng |work=ABC News |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215031441/http://abcnews.go.com/US/twenty-children-died-newtown-connecticut-school-shooting/story?id=17973836 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="49IYz">{{cite news|date=June 7, 2013|title=Sandy Hook School Shootings Fast Facts|url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/06/07/us/connecticut-shootings-fast-facts/index.html|access-date=September 27, 2023|work=]|language=en|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420231032/https://www.cnn.com/2013/06/07/us/connecticut-shootings-fast-facts/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Investigators later found her body in her bed, clad in pajamas, with four gunshot wounds to her head.<ref name="Evidence hints at deadlier plan in Conn massacre">{{cite news|title=Evidence hints at deadlier plan in Conn. massacre|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/16/governor-gunman-shot-self-first-responders-closed/?page=all#pagebreak|access-date=December 30, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Times|date=December 16, 2012|first1=John|last1=Christofferson|first2=Matt|last2=Apuzzo|first3=Jim|last3=Fitzgerald|first4=Bridget|last4=Murphy|first5=Pat|last5=Eaton-Robb|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=January 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128202848/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/16/governor-gunman-shot-self-first-responders-closed/?page=all#pagebreak|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Marcus |first=Ruth |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Opinion {{!}} Nancy Lanza, a mother tragic and infuriating |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ruth-marcus-nancy-lanza-a-mother-tragic-and-infuriating/2013/11/26/30efee1c-56cb-11e3-835d-e7173847c7cc_story.html |access-date=October 13, 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Lanza then drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School in his mother's car.<ref name="esposito" /><ref name="foxnews20121214_Gunman_dead">{{cite news |title=Gunman dead after killing 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school |work=Fox News |date=December 14, 2012 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/as-nation-mourns-investigators-try-to-figure-out-what-led-to-tragedy-in-newtown-conn |access-date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216093811/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/16/at-least-26-dead-in-shooting-at-connecticut-school/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
===Mass shooting begins=== | |||
==Perpetrator== | |||
Shortly after 9:35{{nbsp}}a.m., armed with his mother's ] and ten magazines with 30 rounds each,<ref name="CTSP-20130118">{{cite web|last=Vance|first=J. Paul|title=Update: State Police Identify Weapons Used in Sandy Hook Investigation|url=http://www.ct.gov/despp/cwp/view.asp?Q=517284&A=4226|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517175905/http://www.ct.gov/despp/cwp/view.asp?A=4226&Q=517284|archive-date=May 17, 2016|website=State of Connecticut |access-date=December 15, 2016|quote=Seized inside the school: #1. Bushmaster .223 caliber model XM15-E2S rifle with high capacity 30 round magazine #2. Glock 10 mm handgun #3. Sig-Sauer P226 9mm handgun The shooter used the Bushmaster .223 to murder 20 children and six adults inside the school; he used a handgun to take his own life inside the school. No other weapons were used in this crime.}}</ref><ref name="conn-school" /><ref name="Newtown shooter's guns: What we know">{{cite news |last=Almasy |first=Steve |title=Newtown shooter's guns: What we know |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/18/us/connecticut-lanza-guns/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=December 30, 2012 |date=December 19, 2012 |quote=The primary weapon used in the attack was a "Bushmaster AR-15 assault-type weapon," said Connecticut State Police Lt. Paul Vance. The rifle is a Bushmaster version of a widely made AR-15, the civilian version of the M-16 rifle used by the U.S. military. The original M-16 patent ran out years ago, and now the AR-15 is manufactured by several gunmakers. Unlike the military version, the AR-15 is a semiautomatic, firing one bullet per squeeze of the trigger. But like the M-16, ammunition is loaded through a magazine. In the school shooting, police say Lanza's rifle used numerous 30-round magazines. |archive-date=December 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121229142140/http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/18/us/connecticut-lanza-guns/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hc" /><ref name="cnn20130329">{{cite news |title=Newtown shooting details revealed in newly released documents |first1=Susan |last1=Candiotti |first2=Greg |last2=Botelho |first3=Tom |last3=Watkins |agency=] |date=March 29, 2013 |access-date=July 26, 2018 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/28/us/connecticut-shooting-documents/index.html |quote=But on December 14, 2012, he went out – armed with 10 30-round magazines for his semiautomatic Bushmaster .223 caliber model XM15 rifle and bullets for his two handguns and a shotgun. |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729231911/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/28/us/connecticut-shooting-documents/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Lanza shot his way through a glass panel next to the school's locked front entrance doors.<ref name="nX6hZ">{{cite web |last1=Dorn |first1=Chris |last2=Dorn |first2=Michael |last3=Steve |first3=Satterly |last4=Shepherd |first4=Sonayia |last5=Nguyen |first5=Phuong |title=7 Lessons Learned from Sandy Hook |url=https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/safety/7-lessons-learned-from-sandy-hook/ |website=Campus Safety |access-date=September 20, 2018 |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045730/https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/safety/7-lessons-learned-from-sandy-hook/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="wtvr">{{cite news |first=Alix |last=Bryan |title=TIMELINE: Connecticut elementary school shooting updates |work=] |date=December 16, 2012 |url=http://wtvr.com/2012/12/14/timeline-of-connecticut-elementary-school-shooting/ |access-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218034905/http://wtvr.com/2012/12/14/timeline-of-connecticut-elementary-school-shooting/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TheTimesUK20121216">{{cite news|last=Gray|first=Sadie|title=Sandy Hook gunman Adam Lanza shot his way through school door|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/americas/article3632863.ece|work=]|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=December 18, 2012|archive-date=December 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218030229/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/americas/article3632863.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bee" /> He was wearing black clothing, yellow earplugs, sunglasses,<ref name="X7QWs">{{cite web|url=http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2013/12/03/newtown-report-reveals-details-but-no-motive/|title=Newtown report reveals details, but no motive|work=Yale Daily News|date=December 3, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006200604/http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2013/12/03/newtown-report-reveals-details-but-no-motive/|url-status=live}}</ref> a black hat, and an ] utility vest.<ref name="hc">{{cite web |url=http://articles.courant.com/2013-01-06/news/hc-sandyhook-lanza-earplugs-20130106_1_adam-lanza-nancy-lanza-yogananda-street |title=Newtown shootings: Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooter Adam Lanza Wore Earplugs |first1=Dave |last1=Altimari |first2=Jon |last2=Lender |newspaper=] |access-date=October 5, 2014 |quote=Besides the earplugs, he was wearing all black clothes under a drab olive green utility vest with pockets filled with 30-round magazines for the Bushmaster. |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006093109/http://articles.courant.com/2013-01-06/news/hc-sandyhook-lanza-earplugs-20130106_1_adam-lanza-nancy-lanza-yogananda-street |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Mike |title=Police Release Final Report On Sandy Hook School Shooting |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/mikehayes/police-final-report-on-sandy-hook-school-shooting |access-date=February 26, 2023 |website=BuzzFeed News |date=December 27, 2013 |language=en |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614233429/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/mikehayes/police-final-report-on-sandy-hook-school-shooting |url-status=live }}</ref> Initial reports that he was wearing ] were incorrect.<ref name="clothing_3">{{cite web|date=December 27, 2012|title=Newtown shooter Adam Lanza was not wearing body armor during massacre|url=http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/12/27/news/doc50dce5187860b303917697.txt|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130024031/http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/12/27/news/doc50dce5187860b303917697.txt|archive-date=January 30, 2013|access-date=December 28, 2012|work=New Haven Register|location=New Haven, Connecticut}}</ref> Some of those present heard the initial shots on the school intercom system, which was being used for morning announcements.<ref name="nytimes" /> | |||
The gunman was 20-year-old Adam Peter Lanza, who was born on April 22, 1992, in ], New Hampshire, where his parents had been married in 1981.<ref name="NYDailyNews"/> He attended ], where he had been an honors student.<ref name="NPRYost12-15-12"/> An aunt of his said his mother removed him from the Newtown public school system because she was unhappy with the school district's plans for her son.<ref name="Adam Lanza's Mom Pulled Him Out of School: Relative"/> He had no criminal record.<ref name="ID"/><ref name="EveningSun"/><ref name="Connecticut shooting suspect was honors student"/> | |||
Principal Dawn Hochsprung and school ] Mary Sherlach were meeting with other faculty members when they heard, but did not recognize, gunshots. Hochsprung, Sherlach, and lead teacher Natalie Hammond went into the hall to determine the source of the sounds and encountered Lanza. A faculty member who was at the meeting said that the three women called out "Shooter, stay put!", which alerted their colleagues of the danger and saved their lives.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Tom |title=Sandy Hook victim's daughter calls Ben Carson 'insensitive' for Oregon reaction |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/oct/08/ben-carson-sandy-hook-newtown-oregon-school-shooting |access-date=August 5, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=October 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013024919/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/oct/08/ben-carson-sandy-hook-newtown-oregon-school-shooting |archive-date=October 13, 2015}}</ref> An aide heard gunshots. A teacher hiding in the math lab heard school ] Rick Thorne yell, "Put the gun down!"<ref name="FjktB">{{cite news|last=Christoffersen|first=John|title=Conn. files: Gunman's mother loving but bewildered|work=Philadelphia Daily News|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20131228_ap_79ac9e6773c844c6a3adf5f360f2764b.html|access-date=December 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233015/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20131228_ap_79ac9e6773c844c6a3adf5f360f2764b.html|archive-date=December 30, 2013}}</ref> Lanza killed both Hochsprung and Sherlach.<ref name="wsj5">{{cite news |last=Levitz |first=Jennifer |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323297104578181583018831100 |title=Sandy Hook Locals Face New Reality |newspaper=] |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723233238/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323297104578181583018831100 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hammond was hit first in the leg, and then sustained another gunshot wound. She laid still in the hallway and then, not hearing any more noise, crawled back to the conference room and pressed her body against the door to keep it closed.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/11/26/nyregion/26newtown-report.html |title=State's Attorney's Report on Sandy Hook Elementary School Shootings |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=November 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129200741/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/11/26/nyregion/26newtown-report.html |url-status=live}}</ref> She was later treated at ].<ref name="wsj5" /><ref name="CBS3">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-school-shooting-what-we-know/|title=Conn. school shooting: What we know|work=CBS News|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2012|archive-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216083021/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57559336/conn-school-shooting-what-we-know/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Lanza's parents divorced in September 2009,<ref name="ABCRoss12-15-12"/> and Adam and his mother were supported by alimony paid by his father, a corporate executive.<ref name="Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer"/><ref name="Father of Newtown shooter lives in Stamford"/><ref name="Peter Lanza Statement: Father Of Adam Lanza Says, 'We Too Are Asking Why'"/> Lanza lived with his mother Nancy at her house in Sandy Hook, located {{convert|5|mi|0}} from the elementary school.<ref name="NYTimesShyIntelligent"/> She was a gun enthusiast who had taught her two sons to shoot and often took them to a local range. According to her former sister-in-law, Marsha Lanza, Nancy stayed home to take care of Adam. Marsha Lanza also recalled that Nancy was a ] and that Nancy had turned her home into "a fortress" in which she was stockpiling guns and food to prepare to defend her family in the event of the economy collapsing.<ref name="NYBankoff"/><ref name="Investigators look for insight into Newtown gunman's mind"/> She had withdrawn Adam from school after "battling" with them over their unspecified "plans" for him.<ref name="Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer"/><ref name="NYBankoff"/> | |||
A nine-year-old boy said he heard the shooter say "Put your hands up!" and someone else say "Don't shoot!" He also heard many people yelling and many gunshots over the intercom while he, his classmates, and his teacher took refuge in a closet in the gymnasium.<ref name="nytimes6">{{cite news|title=Who Would Do This to Our Poor Little Babies|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/witnesses-recall-deadly-shooting-sandy-hook-newtown-connecticut.html|newspaper=]|date=December 14, 2012|first1=Peter|last1=Applebome|first2=Michael|last2=Wilson|access-date=February 28, 2017|archive-date=March 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311201149/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/witnesses-recall-deadly-shooting-sandy-hook-newtown-connecticut.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Diane Day, a school therapist who had been at the faculty meeting with Hochsprung, was heard screaming followed by more gunshots. A second teacher, who was a substitute kindergarten teacher, was wounded in the attack. While she was closing a door further down the hallway, she was hit in the foot with a bullet that ricocheted. Lanza never entered her classroom.<ref name="Police: Second person injured in Connecticut school shooting survived" /><ref name="Hartford Courant">{{cite web |first1=Dave |last1=Altimari |first2=Edmund H. |last2=Mahony |first3=Jon |last3=Lender |url=https://www.courant.com/2013/03/13/adam-lanza-researched-mass-murderers-sources-say-2/ |title=Newtown shootings: Adam Lanza Researched Mass Murderers, Sources Say |work=Hartford Courant |date=March 13, 2013 |access-date=March 14, 2013 |archive-date=April 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410172658/http://articles.courant.com/2013-03-13/news/hc-newtown-lanza-mass-murderers-20130313_1_nancy-lanza-adam-lanza-lanza-s-newtown |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="qTxXR">{{cite news |first=Gary |last=Stoller |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/18/connecticut-school-shooting-survivor/1778431/ |title=School shooting survivor tells her story |newspaper=USA Today |date=December 19, 2012 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202162031/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/18/connecticut-school-shooting-survivor/1778431/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Two days before the massacre, Lanza went to a sporting goods store in ], Connecticut, and tried to buy a rifle. He was turned down because he did not want to undergo a background check or abide by the state's waiting period for gun sales.<ref name="Lanza said no to background check, denied gun"/> | |||
After killing Hochsprung and Sherlach, Lanza entered the main office but apparently did not see the people hiding there, and returned to the hallway.<ref name="bee">{{cite news|last=Gorosko|first=Andrew|date=November 26, 2013|title=Long-Awaited 12/14 Report Offers Details, But No Motive|newspaper=The Newtown Bee|url=http://newtownbee.com/news/0001/11/30/long-awaited-1214-report-offers-details-no-motive/178307|access-date=December 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113824/http://newtownbee.com/news/0001/11/30/long-awaited-1214-report-offers-details-no-motive/178307|archive-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref> School nurse Sarah (Sally) Cox,<ref name="r85do">{{cite web|url=http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/newtown.asp |title=Sandy Hook Exposed? |date=December 15, 2012 |website=snopes.com |access-date=March 26, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Official">{{cite web|title=Staff Directory|url=http://newtown.sandyhook.schooldesk.net/Staff/StaffDirectory/tabid/17319/Default.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406030442/http://newtown.sandyhook.schooldesk.net/Staff/StaffDirectory/tabid/17319/Default.aspx|archive-date=April 6, 2012|access-date=July 29, 2013|website=Sandy Hook Elementary School}}</ref> 60, hid under a desk in her office. She later described seeing the door opening and Lanza's boots and legs facing her desk from approximately {{convert|20|ft|m|0|abbr=off|spell=on|sp=us}} away. He remained standing for a few seconds before turning around and leaving. She and the school secretary Barbara Halstead called ] and hid in a first-aid supply closet for nearly four hours.<ref name="Sandy Hook Elementary School nurse Sarah Cox relives terror of Newtown, Connecticut shooting">{{cite news |last=Klein |first=Melissa |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/could_see_his_feet_was_frozen_in_ygbEGJD62sWTIMQlZ9CUFP |title=Sandy Hook Elementary School nurse Sarah Cox relives terror of Newtown, Connecticut shooting |work=] |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107080114/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/could_see_his_feet_was_frozen_in_ygbEGJD62sWTIMQlZ9CUFP |url-status=live}}</ref> Janitor Rick Thorne ran through hallways, alerting classrooms.<ref name="abclocal">{{cite news|url=https://6abc.com/archive/8920117/|title=20 children, 6 adults killed at Connecticut school|work=]|agency=Associated Press|date=December 14, 2012|first=John|last=Christoffersen|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-date=December 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214184521/http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news%2Fnational_world&id=8920117|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
At the time of the shooting, Adam Lanza was carrying the identification of his older brother Ryan,<ref name="identified"/> leading police sources to initially report the sibling as the perpetrator. Ryan Lanza voluntarily submitted to questioning by the ] police, Connecticut State Police, and the ]. He was not considered a suspect and was not taken into custody.<ref name="notcustody"/><ref name="KSDK"/> Ryan Lanza said he had not been in touch with his brother since 2010.<ref name="wsj"/><ref name="huffpost1"/> He also told law enforcement that his brother was believed to suffer from a ] and was "somewhat autistic".<ref name="Philly"/> An unnamed law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that Adam had been diagnosed with ].<ref name="USATAPAsperger's"/> | |||
===Classroom shootings=== | |||
Students and teachers who knew Adam Lanza in high school described him as "intelligent, but nervous and fidgety",<ref name="NYTimesShyIntelligent"/> saying he normally avoided attention.<ref name="NYTimesShyIntelligent"/> A bus driver who drove the Lanza brothers to and from school recalled them as "really nice boys, well-behaved".<ref name="NewsDay"/> According to former classmates of Adam Lanza's, he was socially uncomfortable; he is not known to have had any close friends in school.<ref name="NYTimesShyIntelligent"/> ''The Telegraph'' described Lanza as "keen on computers and video games, and part of a group who would meet up for computer programming get-togethers".<ref name="Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer"/> He was also described by his classmates as a ].<ref name="sandygoth"/> | |||
] | |||
Lanza entered Room 8, a first-grade classroom where Lauren Rousseau, a substitute teacher, had herded her first-grade students to the back of the room, and was trying to hide them in a bathroom, when Lanza forced his way into the classroom.<ref name="Hartford Courant" /> Rousseau, Rachel D'Avino (a behavioral therapist who had been employed for a week at the school to work with a special needs student), and fifteen students in Rousseau's class were killed. Fourteen of the children were dead at the scene; one injured child was taken to a hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead.<ref name="nytimes.com" /> Most of the teachers and students were found crowded together in the bathroom.<ref name="cIDnP">{{cite web |url=http://cspsandyhookreport.ct.gov/ |title=Connecticut State Police Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Report |website=State of Connecticut |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 29, 2013 |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228025247/http://cspsandyhookreport.ct.gov/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A six-year-old girl, the sole survivor, was found by police in the classroom following the shooting.<ref name="nytimes.com" /> She hid in a corner of the classroom's bathroom during the shooting.<ref name="DoRF2">{{cite news |url=http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/details-emerge-on-sandy-hook-shooting-lanzas-belongings |title=Details emerge on Sandy Hook shooting, Lanza's belongings |work=MSN |access-date=December 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234301/http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/details-emerge-on-sandy-hook-shooting-lanzas-belongings |archive-date=December 30, 2013 }}</ref> Her family's pastor said she survived by playing dead. When she reached her mother, she said, "Mommy, I'm okay, but all my friends are dead."<ref>{{cite web |title=Pastor Explains How Girl Played Dead to Survive |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/connecticut-shooting-pastor-explains-girl-played-dead-survive-17989933 |publisher=] |access-date=December 25, 2024 |date=December 16, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Abby Rogers |title=One Little Girl Had To Lay Among Her Dead Friends To Escape The Sandy Hook Gunman |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/sandy-hook-elementary-survivor-stories-2012-12 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=] |date=December 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219025803/https://www.businessinsider.com/sandy-hook-elementary-survivor-stories-2012-12 |archive-date=December 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=Raf Sanchez |title=Connecticut school shooting: six-year-old stayed alive by playing dead |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9750471/Connecticut-school-shooting-six-year-old-stayed-alive-by-playing-dead.html |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=] |date=December 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218064433/http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9750471/Connecticut-school-shooting-six-year-old-stayed-alive-by-playing-dead.html |archive-date=February 18, 2015}}</ref> A girl who was hiding in a bathroom along with two teachers told police that she heard a boy in the classroom screaming, "Help me! I don't want to be here!", to which Lanza responded, "Well, you're here," followed by "hammering" sounds.<ref name="Michael P. Mayko and John Pirro">{{cite web|first1=Michael P.|last1=Mayko|first2=John|last2=Pirro|url=http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/The-voices-of-children-who-saw-evil-5104362.php|title=The voices of children who saw evil|newspaper=]|date=December 31, 2013|access-date=January 3, 2014|archive-date=January 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102131829/http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/The-voices-of-children-who-saw-evil-5104362.php|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Lanza also went to Room 10, another first-grade classroom nearby; at this point, there are conflicting reports about the order of events. According to some reports, the classroom's teacher, ], had concealed some of the students in a closet or bathroom, and some of the other students were hiding under desks.<ref name="Hartford Courant" /> Soto was walking back to the classroom door to lock it when Lanza entered the classroom.<ref name="FTN130421p5">{{cite episode |title=Face the Nation transcripts April 21, 2013: Boston bombings |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/face-the-nation-transcripts-april-21-2013-boston-bombings-patrick-davis-mccaul-more/5/ |series=] |network=] |air-date=April 21, 2013 |access-date=April 11, 2014 |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142037/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/face-the-nation-transcripts-april-21-2013-boston-bombings-patrick-davis-mccaul-more/5/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Lanza walked to the back of the classroom, saw the children under the desks, and shot them. First-grader Jesse Lewis shouted at his classmates to run for safety, and several of them did. Lewis was looking at Lanza when Lanza fatally shot him.<ref name="FTN130421p6">{{cite episode |title=Face the Nation transcripts April 21, 2013: Boston bombings |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/face-the-nation-transcripts-april-21-2013-boston-bombings-patrick-davis-mccaul-more/6/ |series=Face the Nation |network=CBS |air-date=April 21, 2013 |access-date=April 11, 2014 |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124047/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/face-the-nation-transcripts-april-21-2013-boston-bombings-patrick-davis-mccaul-more/6/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Another account, given by a surviving child's father, said that Soto had moved the children to the back of the classroom, and that they were seated on the floor when Lanza entered. According to this account, neither Lanza nor any of the occupants of the classroom spoke. Lanza stared at the people on the floor, pointed the gun at a boy seated there, but did not fire.<ref name="rm4mK">{{cite news|last=Christoffersen|first=John|date=September 29, 2013|title=Fear permeates young lives of Newtown witnesses|newspaper=San Jose Mercury News|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_24200882/fear-permeates-young-lives-newtown-witnesses|access-date=September 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003032053/http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_24200882/fear-permeates-young-lives-newtown-witnesses|archive-date=October 3, 2013}}</ref> The boy ran out of the classroom.<ref name="Michael P. Mayko and John Pirro" /> The final report into the shooting concluded that the sequence of events in Rooms 8 and 10 was "indeterminate".<ref name="final_report" /> | |||
A local psychologist, Jeannie Pasacreta, whose son was in Adam Lanza's graduating class said she recalled a loner who did not display unusual behavior, but she said when individuals suffer "mental health problems in a quiet compliant way, people don't pay attention".<ref name="wsj5"/> | |||
A '']'' report said that six of the children who escaped did so when Lanza stopped shooting, either because his weapon jammed or he erred in reloading it.<ref name="Hartford Courant" /> Earlier reports said that, as Lanza entered her classroom, Soto told him that the children were in the auditorium. When several of the children came out of their hiding places and tried to run for safety, Lanza fatally shot them. Soto put herself between her students and the shooter, who then fatally shot her.<ref name="sacrificed">{{cite news|last=Rayment|first=Sean|title=Teachers sacrificed themselves to save their pupils|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9746935/Teachers-sacrificed-themselves-to-save-their-pupils.html|access-date=December 15, 2012|newspaper=]|date=December 15, 2012|archive-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215201845/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9746935/Teachers-sacrificed-themselves-to-save-their-pupils.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Anne Marie Murphy, the special education teacher who worked with special-needs students in Soto's classroom, was also shot and killed; she was found covering six-year-old Dylan Hockley, who also died.<ref name="newsday1">{{cite news|last=Ramos|first=Victor Manuel|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/sandy-hook-educators-died-trying-to-save-the-children-1.4338161|title=Sandy Hook educators died trying to save the children|work=Newsday|date=December 15, 2012|access-date=December 26, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231010416/http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/sandy-hook-educators-died-trying-to-save-the-children-1.4338161|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ctpost2">{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Cleary |url=http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Dylan-Hockley-died-in-Anne-Marie-Murphy-s-arms-4122828.php |title=Dylan Hockley died in Anne Marie Murphy's arms |work=Connecticut Post |date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-date=January 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120122607/http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Dylan-Hockley-died-in-Anne-Marie-Murphy-s-arms-4122828.php |url-status=live}}</ref> Soto and four children were found dead in the classroom. Soto was near the north wall of the room with a set of keys nearby.<ref name="nytimes.com" />{{rp|14}} One child was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead.<ref name="nytimes.com" />{{rp|14}} Six surviving children from the class and a school bus driver took refuge at a nearby home.<ref name="foxnewsinsider">{{cite news |url=http://foxnewsinsider.com/tag/man-shelters-sandy-hook-students/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124094359/http://foxnewsinsider.com/tag/man-shelters-sandy-hook-students/|archive-date=January 24, 2013 |url-status=live|title=Newtown Resident Gene Rosen Speaks About Sheltering Six Students Who Escaped the Shooting |work=Fox News |date=December 18, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012}}</ref> According to the official report released by the state's attorney, nine children ran from Soto's classroom, and police found two hiding in a class bathroom.<ref name="nytimes.com" />{{rp|14}} Five of Soto's students were killed.<ref name="oeMDS">{{cite news |last=Stelzer |first=Brigitte |url=https://nypost.com/2012/12/23/newtown-massacre-victims-and-survivors-pictured-in-victoria-sotos-class-photo/ |title=Newtown massacre victims (and survivors) pictured in Victoria Soto's class photo |newspaper=New York Post |date=December 23, 2012 |access-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003181314/http://nypost.com/2012/12/23/newtown-massacre-victims-and-survivors-pictured-in-victoria-sotos-class-photo/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Reactions== | |||
<!-- Please do not add every reaction here. See talk page if you have questions or need clarification. --> | |||
] | |||
===Survivors' eyewitness accounts=== | |||
] ] gave a televised address at 3:16 p.m. EST on the day of the shootings, saying, "We're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics."<ref name="Statement by the President on the School Shooting in Newtown, CT"/> Obama paused twice during the address to compose himself and wipe away tears, and expressed "enormous sympathy for families that are affected".<ref name="WashingtonPost" /><ref name="Obama On Connecticut Shooting: We Need 'Meaningful Action'"/><ref name="An emotional Obama: 'They had their entire lives ahead of them'"/> He also ordered flags to be flown at ] at the ] and other US federal government facilities worldwide in respect for the victims.<ref name="Whitehouse" /> Within 15 hours of the massacre, 100,000 Americans signed up at the Obama administration's ] petitioning website in support of a renewed national debate on gun control.<ref name="After school massacre, 100,000 Americans petition White House for gun control"/> Obama is scheduled to attend an ] vigil on Sunday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. in Newtown.<ref name="President Obama To Visit Newtown Sunday"/> | |||
First-grade teacher Kaitlin Roig, 29 years old, hid fifteen students in a bathroom and barricaded the door, telling them to be completely quiet to remain safe.<ref name="ctnews">{{cite news|url=http://blog.ctnews.com/newtownshooting/2012/12/14/hero-teacher-rushed-students-to-bathroom-to-keep-students-safe/|title='Hero teacher' rushed students to bathroom to keep students safe|date=December 14, 2012|newspaper=Connecticut News|first=Tom|last=Cleary|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216042904/http://blog.ctnews.com/newtownshooting/2012/12/14/hero-teacher-rushed-students-to-bathroom-to-keep-students-safe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Roig-Debellis |first1=Kaitlin |last2=Fisher |first2=Robin Gaby |title=Choosing Hope: How I Moved Forward from Life's Darkest Hour |date=2016 |publisher=]/] |isbn=978-0-425-28231-1 |page=87 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6dz4DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA87 |quote=Where can we hide? There's only one place. The bathroom ... How in God's name will I get all sixteen of us in there? |access-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511034300/https://books.google.com/books?id=6dz4DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA87 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is believed that Lanza bypassed her classroom, which was the first classroom on the left side of the hallway. Following a lockdown drill weeks earlier, Roig had failed to remove a piece of black construction paper covering the small window in her classroom door. Lanza may have assumed that Roig's classroom was empty because the door was closed and the window was covered.<ref name="Hartford Courant" /> | |||
School library staff Yvonne Cech and Maryann Jacob tried to hide 18 children in a part of the library the school used for lockdown in practice drills. When they discovered that one door would not lock, they had the children crawl into a storage room, where Cech barricaded the door with a filing cabinet.<ref name="nytimes1" /><ref name="nytimes6" /><ref name="Newtown school massacre victims identified">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20744701|title=Newtown school massacre victims identified|work=BBC News|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2012|archive-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216000523/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20744701|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
] ] addressed the media the evening of the shootings near a local church holding a vigil for the victims, urging the people of Connecticut to come together and help each other. Malloy said, "Evil visited this community today, and it is too early to speak of recovery, but each parent, each sibling, each member of the family has to understand that Connecticut, we are all in this together, we will do whatever we can to overcome this event, we will get through it."<ref name="Police: 20 children among 27 victims of Connecticut school shooting"/><ref name="Telegraph-Evil"/><ref name="Conn. Governor: 'evil visited this community'"/> Hundreds of mourners, including Governor Malloy, attended vigils in various churches in Newtown.<ref name="Hundreds pack Conn. church for vigil after rampage"/><ref name="Hundreds pack Conn. churches after rampage"/> United States ] ] said "...our thanks go out to every teacher, staff member, and first responder who cared for, comforted, and protected children from harm, often at risk to themselves. We will do everything in our power to assist and support the healing and recovery of Newtown."<ref name="Turner" /> World leaders expressed "shock and horror" over the events that took place.<ref name="World leaders express shock over Connecticut shooting"/> | |||
Two third-grade students, chosen as classroom helpers, were walking down the hallway to the office to deliver the morning attendance sheet as the shooting began. Teacher Abbey Clements pulled both children into her classroom, where they hid.<ref name="nydailynews7">{{cite news |first=Andre |last=Nikitchyuk |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/father-surviving-sandy-hook-student-admits-turning-blind-eye-gun-violence-longer-option-article-1.1222370?localLinksEnabled=false |title=BREAKING THE SILENCE! Father of surviving Sandy Hook student admits turning a blind eye to gun violence can no longer be an option |work=Daily News |location=New York |date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-date=March 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302202825/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/father-surviving-sandy-hook-student-admits-turning-blind-eye-gun-violence-longer-option-article-1.1222370?localLinksEnabled=false |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The day after the shootings, Adam Lanza's family released a statement, saying | |||
{{quote|Our hearts go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones and to all those who were injured. Our family is grieving along with all those who have been affected by this enormous tragedy. No words can truly express how heartbroken we are. We are in a state of disbelief and trying to find whatever answers we can. We too are asking why. We have cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so. Like so many of you, we are saddened, but struggling to make sense of what has transpired.<ref name="Peter Lanza Statement: Father Of Adam Lanza Says, 'We Too Are Asking Why'"/>}} | |||
Laura Feinstein, a reading specialist at the school, gathered two students from outside her classroom and hid with them under desks after they heard gunshots.<ref name="Tales of Sandy Hook heroism, young and old">{{cite news|last=Winter|first=Michael|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/14/newtown-connecticut-sandy-hook-school-shooting-heroism/1770555/|title=Tales of Sandy Hook heroism, young and old|work=]|date=December 14, 2012|access-date=December 26, 2012|archive-date=December 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224094016/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/14/newtown-connecticut-sandy-hook-school-shooting-heroism/1770555/|url-status=live}}</ref> Feinstein called the school office and tried to call 911, but could not connect due to lack of reception on her cell phone. She hid with the children for approximately 40 minutes, at which point law enforcement came to lead them out of the room.<ref name="'Absolutely heartbreaking': Sandy Hook teacher's terrifying experience">{{cite news|url=http://www.wtop.com/1272/3157532/Teacher-Shots-and-shots-and-shots|title='Absolutely heartbreaking': Sandy Hook teacher's terrifying experience|work=WTOP|access-date=December 16, 2012|archive-date=December 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219050516/http://www.wtop.com/1272/3157532/Teacher-Shots-and-shots-and-shots|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The nearby town of ] invited the surviving students and staff to attend school at their ]. A portion of Chalk Hill is used for other functions, but the remainder is available.<ref name="reuters chalk hill" /><ref name="newstimes chalk hill" /> | |||
When police interviewed survivors, a teacher recalled hearing Lanza curse several times, as well as telling them to, "Look at me!", "Come over here!", and "Look at them!"<ref name="Michael P. Mayko and John Pirro" /> | |||
Senator ] said she plans to introduce an ]s ban bill on the first day of the ].<ref name="Dianne Feinstein To Introduce Assault Weapons Ban On First Day Of Congress"/> | |||
===Shooter's suicide=== | |||
In addition to tipping off debate about gun control, evangelical Christians spoke out blaming the ultimate cause of the massacre on "removal of God from schools". This point of view was presented by former presidential candidate ]<ref name="upi2"/><ref name="seattlepi3"/><ref name="sueddeutsche4"/><ref name="zeit5"/> and echoed by both the ] and ].<ref name="cbn"/> Huckabee made similar blame comments about the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Wing|first=Nicj|title=Mike Huckabee: Newtown Shooting No Surprise, We've 'Systematically Removed God' From Schools|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/mike-huckabee-school-shooting_n_2303792.html|accessdate=17 December 2012|newspaper=huffingtonpost.com|author2=Lavender, Paige}}</ref> | |||
The police heard the final shot at 9:40:03{{nbsp}}a.m.<ref name="oakpresstimeline">{{cite news|last=Scinto|first=Rich|title=Sandy Hook Elementary: Newtown, Connecticut shooting timeline|url=http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/12/15/news/nation_and_world/doc50cd1eec00eb9242897410.txt|access-date=December 17, 2012|newspaper=]|date=December 15, 2012|archive-date=December 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221111722/http://theoaklandpress.com/articles/2012/12/15/news/nation_and_world/doc50cd1eec00eb9242897410.txt|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NbcNewsUSCfE">{{cite news | url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/19/16019514-call-for-everything-police-scanner-recording-reveals-early-moments-of-newtown-tragedy | title='Call for everything': Police scanner recording reveals early moments of Newtown tragedy | date=December 19, 2012 | access-date=December 19, 2012 |work=NBC News | first=Tracy | last=Connor | archive-date=December 19, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219214054/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/19/16019514-call-for-everything-police-scanner-recording-reveals-early-moments-of-newtown-tragedy | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CTPost March 28, 2013">{{cite news|url=http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Access-to-weapons-made-tragedy-possible-4392681.php|title=Access to weapons made tragedy possible|date=March 28, 2013|newspaper=Connecticut Post|access-date=April 3, 2013|archive-date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624145607/http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Access-to-weapons-made-tragedy-possible-4392681.php|url-status=live}}</ref> They believed that it was Lanza shooting himself in the lower rear portion of his head with the ] in classroom 10.<ref name="ct.gov">{{cite web|title=Sandy Hook Shooting, detailed report. Contains documents and further evidence from the case|url=http://www.ct.gov/csao/lib/csao/compressed-sandy-hook-report.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125213507/http://www.ct.gov/csao/lib/csao/compressed-sandy-hook-report.pdf|archive-date=November 25, 2013|access-date=December 7, 2013}}</ref> Lanza's body was found wearing a pale green pocket vest over a black polo shirt over a black T-shirt, along with black sneakers, black fingerless gloves, black socks, and a black canvas belt.<ref name="ct.gov" /><ref name="final_report" /> Other objects found in the vicinity of Lanza included a black ] and thin frame sunglasses. The Glock was found, apparently jammed, near Lanza, and the rifle was found several feet away from him.<ref name="ct.gov" /> A 9mm ], which had not been fired during the incident, was found on Lanza.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/25/adam-lanza-shooting-sandy-hook-elementary-school-n/?page=all|work=The Washington Times|title=What would have prevented Lanza from mass murder at Sandy Hook?|date=November 25, 2013|access-date=December 24, 2013|archive-date=December 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220061905/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/25/adam-lanza-shooting-sandy-hook-elementary-school-n/?page=all|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Immediate aftermath=== | |||
On December 16, 2012, Connecticut State Police decried misinformation being posted on social media sites and threatened prosecution for those people for interfering with the investigation.<ref name="Lt. Paul Vance: Misinformation Is Being Posted on Social Media Sites"/> | |||
Authorities determined that Lanza reloaded frequently during the shootings, sometimes firing only 15 rounds from a 30-round magazine.<ref name="clothing_2">{{cite web|last1=Altimari|first1=Dave|last2=Lender|first2=Jon|date=January 6, 2013|title=Sandy Hook Shooter Adam Lanza Wore Earplugs|url=http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/newtown-sandy-hook-school-shooting/hc-sandyhook-lanza-earplugs-20130106,0,2370630.story|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111012148/http://articles.courant.com/2013-01-06/news/hc-sandyhook-lanza-earplugs-20130106_1_yogananda-street-newtown-school-police-cars|archive-date=January 11, 2013|access-date=January 7, 2013|work=Hartford Courant}}</ref> He shot all but two of his victims multiple times.<ref name="eMbU3">{{cite web |url=http://cspsandyhookreport.ct.gov/ |title=Connecticut State Police Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Report |website=State of Connecticut |year=2013 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-date=December 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228025247/http://cspsandyhookreport.ct.gov/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="7o4jF">{{cite news|last=Zeveloff|first=Naomi|date=December 5, 2013|title=A Newtown Clarification|newspaper=The Jewish Daily Forward|url=http://m.forward.com/blogs/forward-thinking/188774/a-newtown-clarification/|access-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140107061107/http://m.forward.com/blogs/forward-thinking/188774/a-newtown-clarification/|archive-date=January 7, 2014}}</ref> Most of the shooting took place in two first-grade classrooms near the entrance of the school.<ref name="shooting">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2012/12/us/sandy-hook-timeline/?hpt=hp_c2|work=CNN|title=Sandy Hook shooting: What happened?|access-date=January 8, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116024918/http://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2012/12/us/sandy-hook-timeline/?hpt=hp_c2|url-status=live}}</ref> The students among the victims totaled eight boys and twelve girls, all either six or seven years old,<ref name="Children in Connecticut rampage were six, seven; shot multiple times">{{cite news |title=Children in Connecticut rampage were six, seven; shot multiple times |work=Reuters |date=December 15, 2012 |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-shooting-connecticut-idUKBRE8BD0Z220121215 |access-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215102219/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/15/uk-usa-shooting-connecticut-idUKBRE8BD0Z220121215 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the six adults were all women who worked at the school. Bullets were also found in at least three cars parked outside the school, leading police to believe that he fired at a teacher who was standing near a window.<ref name="Hartford Courant" /><ref name="clothing_2" /> | |||
== |
==Police response== | ||
{| id="HSV2" class="wikitable" style="float:right; border:#78bf73; margin-left:.75em;" | |||
On Sunday, December 16, 2012, around noon, someone called the ] in Newtown, and said, "I'm going to kill everyone there. My friend didn't finish the job." Church officials kept him on the line, asking him to repeat what he said, which he did. Churchgoers quickly evacuated church. Police in ] gear arrived at the church to check out the area, but the call appeared to be a hoax.<ref name="Obama once again cast in role of comforter-in-chief"/> | |||
|- | |||
!colspan=2 | First response timeline<ref name="nytimes.com" /> | |||
|- | |||
! Time !! Event | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:35{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Lanza is believed to first enter SHES. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:35:39{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| First 911 call to Newtown Police is received. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:36:06{{nbsp}}a.m.||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| 911 dispatcher broadcasts shooting at SHES. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:37:38{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Connecticut State Police dispatched to SHES. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:39:00{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| First Newtown police arrives behind SHES. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:39:13{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Two more Newtown officers arrive at SHES. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:40:03{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Last shot heard. Believed to be Lanza's suicide. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:42:39{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Newtown police reports Lanza's car license plate. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:44:47{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Newtown police officers enter SHES. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:46:23{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Connecticut State Police arrive at SHES. | |||
|- | |||
|style="background:#FFFAF4"| 9:46:48{{nbsp}}a.m. ||style="background:#FFFAF4;"| Connecticut State Police enter SHES. | |||
|} | |||
The first call to 911 was around 9:35{{nbsp}}a.m. Newtown 911 police dispatch first broadcast that there was a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School (SHES) at 9:36{{nbsp}}a.m., about 30 seconds after they received the first call.<ref name="register">{{cite news |title=Newtown school shooting: Transcript of police, fire radio dispatch |work=] |location=New Haven, Connecticut |date=December 14, 2012 |url=http://nhregister.com/articles/2012/12/14/news/doc50cc0897adc1a203744261.txt?viewmode=2 |access-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref> ] (CSP) were dispatched at 9:37{{nbsp}}a.m.<ref name="afp">{{cite news|last=Emmert |first=Don |url=http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/news/national-news/45564-conn-elementary-school-shooting-20-children-seven-adults-killed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218084950/http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/news/national-news/45564-conn-elementary-school-shooting-20-children-seven-adults-killed |archive-date=December 18, 2012 |title=Conn. Elementary School Shooting: 20 Children, Seven Adults Killed |work=Mason County Daily News |access-date=December 18, 2012 | agency = Agence France-Presse}}</ref> Newtown police arrived at the school street at 9:39{{nbsp}}a.m., approximately three-and-a-half minutes after the 911 call, and Connecticut State Police arrived at the school street at 9:46{{nbsp}}a.m. Newtown police first entered the school at 9:45{{nbsp}}a.m., approximately nine minutes after the first 911 call and approximately ten minutes after the shooting started. This was approximately five minutes after the last shot was heard.<ref name="nytimes.com" /> No shots were fired by the police.<ref name="NbcNewsUSCfE" /><ref name="no_shots">{{cite web|date=December 14, 2012|title=Twenty children dead in mass shooting at Connecticut elementary school|url=http://www.macleans.ca/2012/12/14/18-children-dead-in-connecticut-school-shooting/|access-date=December 28, 2012|work=Maclean's|archive-date=December 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227183914/http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/12/14/18-children-dead-in-connecticut-school-shooting/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
The Newtown police and Connecticut State Police mobilized local ] and ], a ], and a state police helicopter.<ref name="courant">{{cite news |url=http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-newtown-sandy-hook-school-shooting-20121214,0,3124907,full.story |title=28 Dead, Including 20 Children, After Sandy Hook School Shooting in Newtown |newspaper=Hartford Courant |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215232042/http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-newtown-sandy-hook-school-shooting-20121214,0,3124907,full.story |archive-date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> Police locked down the school and began evacuating the survivors room by room, escorting groups of students and adults away from the school. They swept the school for other shooters at least four times. | |||
==References== | |||
{{reflist|refs= | |||
At approximately 10:00{{nbsp}}a.m., Danbury Hospital sent extra medical personnel in expectation of having to treat numerous victims. Three wounded patients were evacuated to the hospital, where two children were later declared dead.<ref name="Danbury Hospital Prepared For School Shooting Massive Casualties, Got Few">{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/danbury-hospital-school-shooting_n_2304756.html |title=Danbury Hospital Prepared For School Shooting Massive Casualties, Got Few |work=Huffington Post |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |first1=Joe |last1=Van Brussel |first2=Matt |last2=Sledge |archive-date=December 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218102956/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/danbury-hospital-school-shooting_n_2304756.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The other was an unidentified adult.<ref name="Police: Second person injured in Connecticut school shooting survived" /> | |||
<ref name="ABCRoss12-15-12">{{cite news|last=Ross|first=Brian|last2=Hill|first2=Angela M.|title=Connecticut shooter Adam Lanza: quiet, bright, troubled|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/connecticut-shooter-adam-lanza-quiet-bright-troubled/story?id=17984172|publisher=ABC News|date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The ] dispatched a portable morgue to assist the authorities.<ref name="nytimes" /> The victims' bodies were removed from the school and formally identified during the night after the shooting.<ref name="satpressconf">{{cite news |last=Quillen |first=Matt |url=http://www.nbc12.com/story/20346133/reports-28-dead-20-children-in-ct-elementary-school-shooting |title=20 children, suspect's mother dead in CT elementary school shooting |work=NBC12 |date=December 15, 2012 |access-date=December 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314155634/http://www.nbc12.com/story/20346133/reports-28-dead-20-children-in-ct-elementary-school-shooting |archive-date=March 14, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="cbsnews">{{cite news |title=Sandy Hook victims identified, bodies removed from school overnight |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sandy-hook-victims-identified-bodies-removed-from-school-overnight/ |access-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215135031/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57559381/sandy-hook-victims-identified-bodies-removed-from-school-overnight/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A ] was assigned to each victim's family to protect their privacy and provide them with information. | |||
<ref name="EVIDENCE HINTS AT DEADLIER PLAN IN CONN. MASSACRE">{{cite news|title=EVIDENCE HINTS AT DEADLIER PLAN IN CONN. MASSACRE|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/agents-visit-conn-gun-shops-after-school-massacre|work=Associated Press|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On December 4, 2013, six 911 calls relating to the shooting were made public.<ref name="VA5f7">{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/hc-sandyhook-911-calls-released-20131204,0,2995043.story|work=Hartford Courant|title=On The Six Newtown 911 Calls, Terror And Pleas For Help|date=December 4, 2013|access-date=January 4, 2014|first1=Dave|last1=Altimari|first2=Jenny|last2=Wilson|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104065312/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/hc-sandyhook-911-calls-released-20131204,0,2995043.story|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Investigators look for insight into Newtown gunman's mind">{{cite news|title=Investigators look for insight into Newtown gunman's mind|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/12/14/newtown-school-shooting-who-is-adam-lanza/|newspaper=CBS News Boston/AP|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
==Investigation <span class="anchor" id="Investigation"></span>== | |||
<ref name="NPRAP12-16-12">{{cite news|last=The Associated Press|title=Evidence hints at deadlier plan in Conn. massacre|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=167367475|publisher=NPR|date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<!-- HIDDEN TEXT: ] redirects to this section. If you change the section header text, please leave the anchor text (the <span> id) in place. See ] for more details. Thank you. --> | |||
===On-site=== | |||
Investigators did not find a suicide note or any messages referring to the planning of the attack.<ref name="final_report" /><ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |last=Sherwell |first=Philip |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9749157/Connecticut-school-shooting-Adam-Lanza-rigged-rifle-for-maximum-damage.html |title=Connecticut school shooting: Adam Lanza rigged rifle for maximum damage |work=] |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217080418/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9749157/Connecticut-school-shooting-Adam-Lanza-rigged-rifle-for-maximum-damage.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Janet Robinson, superintendent of Newtown schools, said she had not found any connection between Lanza's mother and the school, in contrast to initial media reports that said Lanza's mother had worked there.<ref name="nytimes1" /><ref name="Media too quick to fill in the gaps in story of school shooting in Newtown, Conn.">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/media-too-quick-to-fill-in-the-gaps-in-story-of-school-shooting-in-newtown-conn/2012/12/18/368ae690-4959-11e2-ad54-580638ede391_story.html |first=Paul |last=Farhi |newspaper=The Washington Post |title=Media too quick to fill in the gaps in story of school shooting in Newtown, Conn. |date=December 19, 2012 |access-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108043458/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/media-too-quick-to-fill-in-the-gaps-in-story-of-school-shooting-in-newtown-conn/2012/12/18/368ae690-4959-11e2-ad54-580638ede391_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Police also investigated whether Lanza was the person who had been in an altercation with four staff members at Sandy Hook School the day before the massacre. It was presumed that he killed two of the four staff members involved in the altercation (the principal and the psychologist) and wounded the third (the lead teacher) in the attack; the fourth staff member was not at the school that day.<ref name="Newtown gunman had 'altercation' with school staff day before massacre">{{cite news |title=Newtown gunman had 'altercation' with school staff day before massacre|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/15/15926718-newtown-gunman-forced-his-way-into-school-police-say?lite|work=NBC News|access-date=December 15, 2012|archive-date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117211405/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/15/15926718-newtown-gunman-forced-his-way-into-school-police-say?lite|url-status=live}}</ref> The state police said they did not know of any reports about any altercations at the school.<ref name="Liveblog">{{cite news|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/15/children-and-adults-gunned-down-in-connecticut-school-massacre/?hpt=hp_t1|title=Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7|work=CNN|date=December 15, 2012|access-date=February 18, 2018|archive-date=February 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218150522/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/15/children-and-adults-gunned-down-in-connecticut-school-massacre/?hpt=hp_t1|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Police sources initially reported that Lanza's brother Ryan Lanza, then aged 24,<ref name="0K4uY">{{cite news |last1=Ross |first1=Brian |last2=Cuomo |first2=Chris |last3=Esposito |first3=Richard |author2-link=Chris Cuomo|title=Connecticut Shooter Adam Lanza: 'Obviously Not Well' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/connecticut-shooter-adam-lanza/story?id=17975673 |access-date=September 28, 2020 |work=] |date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025120443/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/connecticut-shooter-adam-lanza/story?id=17975673 |url-status=live}}</ref> was the perpetrator.<ref name="tPYut">{{cite news |last1=Shontell |first1=Alyson |title=What It Was Like Being Ryan Lanza's Facebook Friend When The World Thought He Was A Killer |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/what-it-was-like-to-be-ryan-lanzas-facebook-friend-when-the-world-thought-he-was-a-killer-2012-12 |access-date=September 27, 2020 |work=] |date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212141321/https://www.businessinsider.com/what-it-was-like-to-be-ryan-lanzas-facebook-friend-when-the-world-thought-he-was-a-killer-2012-12 |url-status=live}}</ref> This was probably because Adam was carrying Ryan's identification, Ryan told '']''.<ref name="Rumors">{{cite web|last1=Grant|first1=Jason|last2=Frassinelli|first2=Mike|title=Rumors fly in Hoboken about brother of suspected Connecticut school shooter|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/confusion_reigns_at_hoboken_bu.html|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121217214529/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/confusion_reigns_at_hoboken_bu.html|archive-date=December 17, 2012|work=The Star Ledger|date=December 15, 2012|access-date=December 22, 2012}}</ref> Ryan, who lived in ], and was at his job in ] at the time of the shooting, voluntarily submitted to questioning by ], Connecticut State Police, and the ].<ref name="uZGrZ">{{cite news |last1=Boburg |first1=Shawn |last2=Ensslin |first2=John |last3=Cowen |first3=Richard |title=Sandy Hook shooter's brother questioned in Hoboken after shootings |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/tri-state-area/2017/12/12/archive-sandy-hook-shooteadam-lanzas-brother-questioned-hoboken-after-sandy-hook-elementary-shooting/928372001/ |access-date=September 28, 2020 |work=North Jersey |date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810061253/https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/tri-state-area/2017/12/12/archive-sandy-hook-shooteadam-lanzas-brother-questioned-hoboken-after-sandy-hook-elementary-shooting/928372001/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PoE0M">{{cite news |last1=From the ] |title=Police make contact with Lanza's 'missing' girlfriend and friend; Mother found dead in home |url=https://www.knkx.org/post/police-make-contact-lanzas-missing-girlfriend-and-friend-mother-found-dead-home |access-date=September 28, 2020 |work=] |date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131141846/https://www.knkx.org/post/police-make-contact-lanzas-missing-girlfriend-and-friend-mother-found-dead-home |url-status=live}}</ref> Police said he was not considered a suspect, and he was not taken into custody.<ref name="foxnews20121214_Gunman_dead" /><ref name="KSDK">{{cite news|first=Pete |last=Yost|title=Conn. school shooting: Adam Lanza ID's as shooter|date=December 14, 2012|url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/352246/3/Conn-school-shooting-suspect-is-24-younger-brother-held |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103210137/http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/352246/3/Conn-school-shooting-suspect-is-24-younger-brother-held |archive-date=January 3, 2013 |work=] |access-date=December 14, 2012}}</ref><ref name="NPRYost12-15-12">{{cite news|last1=Yost |first1=Pete |last2=Keyser |first2=Jason |title=Correction: Conn school shooting-suspect story |agency=Associated Press |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=167291334 |date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215102959/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=167291334 |archive-date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> Ryan said he had not been in touch with Adam since 2010; when asked why, Ryan said his brother was "sick", " talk to anyone", and that Ryan "didn't know him anymore".<ref name="brother">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/AP9bddda1ae22149f5aaa30fe0fc173f1f |title=Brother of Conn. gunman wrongly cited as shooter |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218041641/http://online.wsj.com/article/AP9bddda1ae22149f5aaa30fe0fc173f1f.html |archive-date=December 18, 2012}}</ref><ref name="huffpost1">{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/media-adam-lanza-newtown-connecticut-shooter-ryan-lanza_n_2302864.html|title=Media Initially Identify Adam Lanza, Newtown Shooting Suspect, As Ryan Lanza, His Brother|newspaper=]|date=December 14, 2012|access-date=December 14, 2012|first=Rebecca|last=Shapiro|archive-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215050332/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/media-adam-lanza-newtown-connecticut-shooter-ryan-lanza_n_2302864.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="te5J3">{{cite news |last1=Engel |first1=Pamela |title=New Details Revealed About Ryan Lanza's Interrogation After The Sandy Hook Massacre |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ryan-lanzas-interrogation-in-matthew-lysiak-book-2013-12 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |work=] |date=December 7, 2015 |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010021201/https://www.businessinsider.com/ryan-lanzas-interrogation-in-matthew-lysiak-book-2013-12 |url-status=live}}</ref> Connecticut State Police indicated their concern about misinformation being posted on social media sites and threatened prosecution of anyone involved with such activities.<ref name="Lt. Paul Vance: Misinformation Is Being Posted on Social Media Sites">{{cite news |title=Lt. Paul Vance: Misinformation Is Being Posted on Social Media Sites |work=Fox News Insider |date=December 16, 2012 |url= http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/12/16/lt-paul-vance-misinformation-is-being-posted-on-social-media-sites/ |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130123125741/http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/12/16/lt-paul-vance-misinformation-is-being-posted-on-social-media-sites/ |archive-date= January 23, 2013 |access-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> Ryan was also mistakenly reported to have mourned his mother and brother on social media and to have been interviewed by the '']''.<ref name="information1">{{cite news |last1=Finn |first1=Peter |title=Lanza's brother denies giving Facebook interview to New York Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/lanzas-brother-denies-giving-facebook-interview-to-new-york-post/2012/12/23/692125de-4d54-11e2-8b49-64675006147f_story.html |access-date=September 25, 2020 |newspaper=] |date=December 23, 2012 |archive-date=June 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619022743/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/lanzas-brother-denies-giving-facebook-interview-to-new-york-post/2012/12/23/692125de-4d54-11e2-8b49-64675006147f_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="y6AC9">{{cite news |title=Ryan Lanza mourns the loss of his mother, Nancy, and brother, Adam Lanza |url=https://www.news.com.au/world/ryan-lanza-mourns-the-loss-of-his-mother-nancy-and-brother-adam-lanza/news-story/64a863aa900c902999d116de79f58483 |access-date=September 25, 2020 |work=] |date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217070645/https://www.news.com.au/world/ryan-lanza-mourns-the-loss-of-his-mother-nancy-and-brother-adam-lanza/news-story/64a863aa900c902999d116de79f58483 |url-status=live}}</ref> A spokesperson for the Lanza family later said an impostor gave the interview.<ref name="information1" /><ref name="mRNDN">{{cite news |last1=Stableford |first1=Dylan |title=Someone pretending to be Ryan Lanza gives Facebook interview to the New York Post |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/ryan-lanza-facebook-181924426.html |access-date=September 25, 2020 |work=] |date=December 23, 2012 |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217064416/https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/ryan-lanza-facebook-181924426.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="NPRYost12-15-12">{{cite news|last=Yost|first=Pete|last2=Keyser|first2=Jason|title=Correction: Conn scholl shooting-suspect story|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=167291334|agency=Associated Press|publisher=NPR|date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
A large quantity of unused ammunition was recovered inside the school along with three ]s found with Lanza: a ] Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle, a ] Glock 20SF handgun, and a 9mm SIG Sauer P226 handgun.<ref name="CTSP-20130118" /> Outside the school, an ] ]<!--When written in Cyrillic but mistakenly interpreted (read) as English, Saiga appears as "Canta", hence the source citation discrepancy.--> ] was found in the car Lanza had driven to the school, a black 2010 ].<ref name="CTSP-20130118" /><ref name="Newtown shooter's guns: What we know" /> | |||
<ref name="Newtown Shooter Used a Rifle Popular Among Gunowners">{{cite news|title=Newtown Shooter Used a Rifle Popular Among Gunowners|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/us/lanza-used-a-popular-ar-15-style-rifle-in-newtown.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On March 28, 2013, court documents released from the investigation showed that the shooting had occurred in the space of less than five minutes with 156 shots fired. This comprised 154 shots from the rifle and 2 shots from the 10mm pistol. Lanza fired one shot from the Glock in the hallway and killed himself with another shot from the pistol to the head.<ref name="documents" /><ref name="JiFzN">{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/2013/10/19/details-emerge-on-sandy-hook-shooting-items-found-in-lanza-rooms-2/ |title=Details Emerge On Sandy Hook Shooting |work=Hartford Courant |date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |archive-date=November 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129135049/http://articles.courant.com/2013-10-19/news/hc-sandy-hook-shooting-details-20131018_1_nancy-lanza-adam-lanza-20-first-graders |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="SFCEvidence">{{cite news|title=Evidence hints at deadlier plan in Conn. massacre|url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/us/article/Evidence-hints-at-deadlier-plan-in-Conn-massacre-4122058.php|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|date=December 16, 2012|author=John Christoffersen|author2=Matt Apuzz}}</ref> | |||
===Off-site=== | |||
<ref name="USATAPAsperger's">{{cite news|title=Experts: no link between Asperger's, violence|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/16/sandy-hook-school-shooting-asperger-violence/1772589/|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Shortly after the shooting, police announced that Lanza used the rifle to kill the victims at the school.<ref name="Newtown Shooter Used a Rifle Popular Among Gunowners">{{cite news |title=Newtown Shooter Used a Rifle Popular Among Gunowners |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/us/lanza-used-a-popular-ar-15-style-rifle-in-newtown.html?pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 16, 2012 |first=Erica |last=Goode |date=December 16, 2012 |archive-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217112805/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/us/lanza-used-a-popular-ar-15-style-rifle-in-newtown.html?pagewanted=all |url-status=live}}</ref> At a press conference on December 15, Dr. H. Wayne Carver II, the Chief Medical Examiner of Connecticut, was asked about the wounds, and replied "All the ones that I know of at this point were caused by the long weapon."<ref name="nytimes1" /><ref name="9JI4o">{{cite news|author=Willingham, A.J.|date=December 15, 2012|title=All wounds caused by 'long weapon'|work=HLN |url=http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/12/15/shandy-hook-shooting-medical-examiner-information-deaths|access-date=February 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217204518/http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/12/15/shandy-hook-shooting-medical-examiner-information-deaths|archive-date=December 17, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Liveblog" /> When asked if the children suffered before dying, Carver replied by stating that "If so, not for very long".<ref name="aR02V">{{cite web|url=http://newtown.patch.com/articles/police-no-motive-emerging-in-newtown-school-shooting|title=Medical Examiner: Newtown Shooting Victims Suffered 'Devastating Set of Injuries'|work=Newtown.patch.com|date=December 15, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2013|archive-date=March 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324115200/http://newtown.patch.com/articles/police-no-motive-emerging-in-newtown-school-shooting|url-status=live}}</ref> Carver, whose office autopsied the victims and who personally performed seven, said the injuries were "devastating" and that parents identified their children from photographs to spare them the sight. All the child victims were first-graders, and all were killed with the Bushmaster XM15. Carver said the bullets used were "designed in such a fashion the energy is deposited in the tissue so the bullet stays in."<ref name="nytimes1" /><ref name="Children in Connecticut rampage were six, seven; shot multiple times" /> | |||
Investigators evaluated Lanza's body, looking for evidence of drugs or medication through ] tests.<ref name="cnn 20121218 investigation">{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/18/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html | title = Families hold funerals as school resumes for some Newtown students |work= CNN | date = December 18, 2012 | access-date = December 18, 2012 | first1 = Susan | last1 = Candiotti | first2 = Dana | last2 = Ford | archive-date = December 18, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121218100038/http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/18/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html | url-status = live}}</ref> <!--this statement is not cited...and signs of brain disorders, such as Asperger's syndrome, or mental health conditions, such as ].--> Unusually for an investigation of this type, ] of Lanza was utilized.<ref name="bloomberg dna testing">{{cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/dna-of-newtown-gunman-unlikely-to-yield-clues-of-violence.html | title = DNA of Newtown Gunman Unlikely to Yield Clues of Violence |work= ] | date = December 20, 2012 | access-date = December 27, 2012 | first = John | last = Lauerman | archive-date = December 23, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121223062608/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/dna-of-newtown-gunman-unlikely-to-yield-clues-of-violence.html | url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="ebXSP">{{cite news|first=Rose|last=Eveleth|author-link=Rose Eveleth|title=Adam Lanza's DNA Will Tell Us Nothing|url=http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/adam-lanzas-dna-will-tell-us-nothing-51471/|access-date=April 19, 2015|work=Smithsonian.com|date=December 31, 2012|archive-date=April 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427143524/http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/adam-lanzas-dna-will-tell-us-nothing-51471/|url-status=live}}</ref> The results of the toxicology report were published in October 2013, and stated that no alcohol or drugs were found in his system.<ref name="hRxOt">{{cite web|last=Altimari|first=Dave|title=Full Report Confirms No Drugs, Alcohol In Lanza's System|url=https://www.courant.com/2013/10/29/full-report-confirms-no-drugs-alcohol-in-lanzas-system/|date=October 29, 2013|work=]|access-date=June 23, 2014|archive-date=July 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709052232/http://articles.courant.com/2013-10-29/news/hc-sandy-hook-lanza-toxicology-20131029_1_peter-lanza-adam-lanza-toxicology-report|url-status=live}}</ref> Lanza's autopsy showed no tumors or gross deformities in his brain.<ref name="DJQaz">{{cite news|title=Adam Lanza, shooter in Sandy Hook Elementary massacre, found to have no brain deformities: medical examiner|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/lanza-brain-appears-normal-conn-doctor-article-1.1238602|access-date=March 14, 2013|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|date=January 11, 2013|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=February 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224011905/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/lanza-brain-appears-normal-conn-doctor-article-1.1238602|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="cbn"></ref> | |||
Lanza removed the ] from his computer and intentionally damaged it before the shooting, creating a challenge for investigators to ].<ref name="hard drive">{{cite news|title=Reports: Lanza smashed computer hard drive|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/17/newtown-sandy-hook-adam-lanza-computer-destroyed/1776253/|date=December 17, 2012|work=]|access-date=December 18, 2012|archive-date=December 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218072737/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/17/newtown-sandy-hook-adam-lanza-computer-destroyed/1776253/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of the final report's publication, recovering data from the damaged drive had proven unsuccessful.<ref name="final_report" /> Police believe that Lanza extensively researched earlier mass shootings, as they had found that Lanza had videos relating to the ] and other shootings downloaded onto another hard drive, along with two videos of suicide by gunshot.<ref name="nbc_investigation">{{cite news |url=http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/27/21736461-police-release-full-newtown-massacre-report-with-photos-and-video?lite |title=Police release full Newtown massacre report, with photos and video – Investigations |work=NBC News |date=December 27, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230002144/http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/27/21736461-police-release-full-newtown-massacre-report-with-photos-and-video?lite |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="cnn1">Candiotti, Susan & Yan, Holly. December 16, 2012. . ''CNN.'' "Carver, who performed autopsies on seven of the victims, said the wounds he knew about were caused by a "long weapon" and that the rifle was the primary weapon used." Retrieved: 16 December 2012.</ref> | |||
Details of the investigation were reported by law enforcement officials at a meeting of the International Association of Police Chiefs and Colonels held during the week of March 11, 2013. An article published in the '']'' on March 17, 2013, provided purported details of this report by an anonymous law enforcement veteran who had attended the meeting.<ref name="nydn spreadsheet">{{cite news | url = http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/lupica-lanza-plotted-massacre-years-article-1.1291408?print | title = Lupica: Morbid find suggests murder-obsessed gunman Adam Lanza plotted Newtown, Conn.'s Sandy Hook massacre for years | first = Mike | last = Lupica | date = March 17, 2013 | access-date = March 19, 2013 | work = ] | archive-date = March 21, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130321110028/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/lupica-lanza-plotted-massacre-years-article-1.1291408?print | url-status = live}}</ref> The source stated that the investigation had found that Lanza had created a 7-by-4-foot sized spreadsheet listing around 500 mass murderers and the weapons they used, which was considered to have taken years of work and to have been used by Lanza as a "score sheet".<ref name="nydn spreadsheet" /> On March 18, 2013, Lt. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police responded that the information from this meeting was "law enforcement sensitive information" and considered the release to be a leak.<ref name="leak vance">{{cite news | url = http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Sandy-Hook-Shooter-Kept-Spreadsheet-on-Mass-Killings-Report-198829761.html | title = Sandy Hook Shooter Kept Spreadsheet on Mass Killings: Report | first = LeAnne | last = Gendreau | date = March 18, 2013 | access-date = March 19, 2013 |work=] | archive-date = April 23, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130423091916/http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Sandy-Hook-Shooter-Kept-Spreadsheet-on-Mass-Killings-Report-198829761.html | url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="seattlepi3">]'', December 14, 2012]</ref> | |||
The March 28 documents also provided details on items found at Lanza's home, including three ], a newspaper article about the ], and a ] certificate.<ref name="documents">{{cite news | url = http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/03/28/inside-newtown-shooter-adam-lanzas-home/ | title = Inside Newtown shooter Adam Lanza's home | date = March 28, 2013 | access-date = March 28, 2013 |work=] | archive-date = April 1, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130401171925/http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/03/28/inside-newtown-shooter-adam-lanzas-home/ | url-status = live}}</ref> The NRA denied that Adam Lanza or Nancy Lanza were members, and reporters noted that the NRA site provides training certificate completion templates for courses offered by NRA Certified Instructors.<ref name="NRAMembers">{{cite web | url = http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/adam-lanza-mom-nra-certificates-89426.html | title = Adam Lanza, mom had NRA Certificates | date = March 28, 2013 | access-date = March 28, 2013 | work = ] | archive-date = March 31, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130331012407/http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/adam-lanza-mom-nra-certificates-89426.html | url-status = live}}</ref> A ] was found in a bedroom and investigators found more than 1,400 rounds of ammunition and other firearms.<ref name="mzU2D">{{cite news|title=Documents: New details on Newtown school massacre|url=http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/03/us/newtown-search-warrants/index.html?hpt=hp_t2|work=CNN|date=March 28, 2013|access-date=March 28, 2013|archive-date=March 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328224815/http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/03/us/newtown-search-warrants/index.html?hpt=hp_t2|url-status=live}}</ref> At home, Lanza had access to three more firearms: a ] rifle, a ] rifle, and a ] rifle.<ref name="Connecticut school victims were shot multiple times">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/15/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html |title=Connecticut school victims were shot multiple times |work=CNN |access-date=December 16, 2012 |date=December 16, 2012 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216004836/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/15/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cnn1">{{cite news |last1=Candiotti |first1=Susan |last2=Yan |first2=Holly |title=Connecticut school shooting: Latest developments |work=CNN |date=December 16, 2012 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/16/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html |access-date=December 16, 2012 |quote=Carver, who performed autopsies on seven of the victims, said the wounds he knew about were caused by a "long weapon" and that the rifle was the primary weapon used. |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216211656/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/16/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Little for Investigators to Trace">{{cite news|title=Sandy Hook Shooter Lanza Left Little For Investigators To Trace|url=https://www.courant.com/2012/12/19/sandy-hook-shooter-lanza-left-little-for-investigators-to-trace-2/|access-date=January 9, 2013|newspaper=Hartford Courant|date=December 19, 2012|first1=Dave|last1=Altimari|first2=Edmund|last2=Mahony|first3=Jon|last3=Lender|archive-date=January 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106204542/http://articles.courant.com/2012-12-19/news/hc-lanza-ghost-20121219_1_home-computer-investigators-video-games|url-status=live}}</ref> These were legally owned by Lanza's mother.<ref name="NBC News Dec 14">{{cite news|title=Elementary school massacre: 27 dead, including 20 kids, in Connecticut|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/15/15907407-elementary-school-massacre-20-children-among-28-killed-in-connecticut-slaughter|work=NBC News|access-date=December 14, 2012|first1=Pete|last1=Williams|first2=Miguel|last2=Llanos|first3=Tracy|last3=Connor|date=December 14, 2012|archive-date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117211329/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/15/15907407-elementary-school-massacre-20-children-among-28-killed-in-connecticut-slaughter|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nydailynews">{{cite news |first1=Matthew |last1=Lysiak |first2=Denis |last2=Slattery |first3=Rich |last3=Schapiro |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/adam-lanza-20-deeply-disturbed-kid-article-1.1220752 |title=Sandy Hook mass murderer Adam Lanza, 20, 'deeply disturbed kid' |work=] |location=New York |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216082943/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/adam-lanza-20-deeply-disturbed-kid-article-1.1220752 |url-status=live}}</ref> According to '']'', authorities also found a photograph of Lanza holding a gun to his head at his home following his death.<ref name="Don't Blame">{{cite magazine | url = https://time.com/19957/adam-lanzas-violence-wasnt-typical-of-aspergers/ | title = Don't Blame Adam Lanza's Violence on Asperger's | first = Alice | last = Park | date = March 11, 2014 | access-date = March 12, 2014 | magazine = Time | archive-date = March 11, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140311235314/http://time.com/19957/adam-lanzas-violence-wasnt-typical-of-aspergers/ | url-status = live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="sueddeutsche4">]'', December 15, 2012]</ref> | |||
According to ''The New York Times'', law enforcement officials commented that Lanza would spend most of his time in his basement doing solitary activities. According to the same officials, it also appeared that Lanza "may have taken target practice in the basement".<ref name="EZO0T">{{cite news|title=Newtown Killer's Obsessions, in Chilling Detail|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/nyregion/search-warrants-reveal-items-seized-at-adam-lanzas-home.html|work=The New York Times|date=March 28, 2013|access-date=May 1, 2013|first1=N. R.|last1=Kleinfield|first2=Ray|last2=Rivera|first3=Serge F.|last3=Kovaleski|archive-date=April 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407052126/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/nyregion/search-warrants-reveal-items-seized-at-adam-lanzas-home.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Hartford Courant'' reported that Lanza had edited Misplaced Pages articles related to mass shootings with the username Kaynbred.<ref name="wiki">{{cite news|title=Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza's spreadsheet detailing centuries of mass violence served as a road map to murder|url=https://www.courant.com/2018/12/09/sandy-hook-shooter-adam-lanzas-spreadsheet-detailing-centuries-of-mass-violence-served-as-a-road-map-to-murder/|work=The Hartford Courant|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=September 27, 2023|first=Dave|last=Altimari|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831083541/https://www.courant.com/2018/12/09/sandy-hook-shooter-adam-lanzas-spreadsheet-detailing-centuries-of-mass-violence-served-as-a-road-map-to-murder/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 }}</ref> | |||
<ref name="upi2"></ref> | |||
===Final reports=== | |||
<ref name="zeit5">]'', December 15, 2012]</ref> | |||
==== State Attorney's report ==== | |||
<ref name="Coroner: Conn. gunman shot mom repeatedly in head">{{cite web|title=Coroner: Conn. gunman shot mom repeatedly in head|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20121216/us-connecticut-school-shooting/?utm_hp_ref=media&ir=media|publisher=The Huffington Post|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The final report of the State Attorney summarizing the investigation into the shooting was published on November 25, 2013. It concluded that Adam Lanza had acted alone, and that the case was closed. The report noted that " had a familiarity with and access to firearms and ammunition and an obsession with mass murders, in particular the April 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado." The report did not identify a specific motive for the shooting, stating, "The evidence clearly shows that the shooter planned his actions, including the taking of his own life, but there is no clear indication why he did so, or why he targeted Sandy Hook elementary school."<ref name="jpMUY">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/25/sandy-hook-shooter-adam-lanza-report |title=Sandy Hook report – shooter Adam Lanza was obsessed with mass murder |work=The Guardian |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126101418/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/25/sandy-hook-shooter-adam-lanza-report |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="K0zkH">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25097127 |title=Newtown gunman Adam Lanza had 'obsession' with Columbine |work=BBC News |date=November 26, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128164920/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25097127 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On the question of Lanza's state of mind, the report noted "significant mental health issues that affected his ability to live a normal life and to interact with others, even those to whom he should have been close{{nbsp}}... What contribution this made to the shootings, if any, is unknown as those mental health professionals who saw him did not see anything that would have predicted his future behavior." The report found no evidence that Lanza had taken drugs or medication that would have affected his behavior, and observed, "'Why did the shooter murder twenty-seven people, including twenty children?' Unfortunately, that question may never be answered conclusively, despite the collection of extensive background information on the shooter through a multitude of interviews and other sources."<ref name="final_report" /><ref name="Vktfi">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sandy-hook-killer-adam-lanza-acted-alone-and-had-an-obsession-with-mass-killings-such-as-columbine-says-report-8963342.html |title=Sandy Hook massacre: Adam Lanza acted alone and had an obsession with mass killings |work=The Independent |date=November 26, 2013 |access-date=November 28, 2013 |location=London |archive-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128001204/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sandy-hook-killer-adam-lanza-acted-alone-and-had-an-obsession-with-mass-killings-such-as-columbine-says-report-8963342.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Lt. Paul Vance: Misinformation Is Being Posted on Social Media Sites">{{cite web|title=Lt. Paul Vance: Misinformation Is Being Posted on Social Media Sites|url=http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/12/16/lt-paul-vance-misinformation-is-being-posted-on-social-media-sites/|publisher=Fox News Insider|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On December 27, 2013, police released thousands of pages of documents pertaining to the investigation. In accordance with law, the names of victims and witnesses were redacted or withheld. The summary report included information about items found on Lanza's computer equipment, including writings and material about previous mass shootings.<ref name="hNUJY">{{cite news|title=Police Release Documents On Newtown Massacre|url=http://articles.courant.com/2013-12-28/news/hc-sandy-hook-state-police-report-20131227_1_adam-lanza-nancy-lanza-yogananda-street|work=]|access-date=September 2, 2014|date=December 27, 2013|archive-date=September 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903124829/http://articles.courant.com/2013-12-28/news/hc-sandy-hook-state-police-report-20131227_1_adam-lanza-nancy-lanza-yogananda-street|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="v59Un">{{cite news |title=No Motive In Newtown Report, But Many Details About Lanza|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/11/25/247219204/no-motive-in-newtown-report-but-many-details-about-lanza|first=Bill|last=Chappell|work=]|access-date=January 29, 2015|date=November 25, 2013|archive-date=February 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215141556/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/11/25/247219204/no-motive-in-newtown-report-but-many-details-about-lanza|url-status=live}}</ref> A former teacher of Lanza's noted that he exhibited antisocial behavior, rarely interacted with other students, and was obsessed with writing "about battles, destruction and war."<ref name="NtCpd">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Police file on Newtown yields chilling portrait|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/police-file-on-newtown-yields-chilling-portrait-of-shooter-and-more-details-of-rampage/2013/12/27/2d09a548-6f4b-11e3-b405-7e360f7e9fd2_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=December 28, 2013|date=December 27, 2013|archive-date=December 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213090100/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/police-file-on-newtown-yields-chilling-portrait-of-shooter-and-more-details-of-rampage/2013/12/27/2d09a548-6f4b-11e3-b405-7e360f7e9fd2_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="NYBankoff">{{cite web|last=Bankoff|first=Caroline|title=Newtown Shooter Adam Lanza's Mother Was an Avid Gun Collector|url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2012/12/adam-lanzas-mother-was-an-avid-gun-collector.html|publisher=New York Magazine|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
====Report of the Office of the Child Advocate==== | |||
<ref name="Obama once again cast in role of comforter-in-chief">{{cite web|title=Obama once again cast in role of comforter-in-chief|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-once-again-cast-in-role-of-comforter-in-chief/2012/12/16/661f183c-4791-11e2-820e-17eefac2f939_story_1.html?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost|publisher=The Washington Post|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The Report of the Office of the Child Advocate concluded: "There was not one thing that was necessarily the tipping point driving Lanza to commit the Sandy Hook shooting. Rather there was a cascade of events, many self-imposed, that included: loss of school; absence of work; disruption of the relationship with his one friend; virtually no personal contact with family; virtually total and increasing isolation; fear of losing his home and of a change in his relationship with Mrs. Lanza, his only caretaker and connection; worsening OCD; depression and anxiety; profound and possibly worsening anorexia; and an increasing obsession with mass murder occurring in the total absence of any engagement with the outside world. Adam increasingly lived in an alternate universe in which ruminations about mass shootings were his central preoccupation".<ref name="ReferenceA"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.104</ref> | |||
The authors also noted that despite multiple developmental and mental health problems, Lanza had not received adequate mental health treatment. They wrote: "It is fair to surmise that, had Lanza's mental illness been adequately treated in the last years of his life, one predisposing factor to the tragedy of Sandy Hook might have been mitigated".<ref name="6ib94"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.107</ref> | |||
<ref name="nbcnews">{{cite web|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/15/15932666-conn-school-massacre-victims-all-shot-multiple-times-chief-medical-officer-says?lite |title=Conn. school massacre victims all shot multiple times, chief medical officer says - U.S. News |publisher=Usnews.nbcnews.com |date=2012-10-24 |accessdate=2012-12-17}}</ref> | |||
The report also tentatively disagreed with the conclusions of the State Attorney about why Lanza targeted Sandy Hook. They noted that "According to the FBI, shooters are likely to target places or people that are familiar to them{{nbsp}}... The elementary school may have been targeted because he could overpower people, a dynamic that is very important for mass shooters as they do not want to be thwarted".<ref name="ReferenceA" /> | |||
<ref name="register">{{cite web|url=http://nhregister.com/articles/2012/12/14/news/doc50cc0897adc1a203744261.txt?viewmode=2 |title=Newtown school shooting: Transcript of police, fire radio dispatch- The New Haven Register - Serving New Haven, Connecticut |publisher=Nhregister.com |date=2011-10-24 |accessdate=2012-12-17}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Connecticut school shooting is second worst in US history">{{cite news|last=Bratu|first=Becky|title=Connecticut school shooting is second worst in US history|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15909827-connecticut-school-shooting-is-second-worst-in-us-history?lite|accessdate=December 16, 2012|newspaper=NBC.Com|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
==Perpetrator== | |||
<ref name="Dianne Feinstein To Introduce Assault Weapons Ban On First Day Of Congress">{{cite web|title=Dianne Feinstein To Introduce Assault Weapons Ban On First Day Of Congress|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/16/dianne-feinstein-assault-weapons-ban_n_2311477.html?utm_hp_ref=politics|publisher=Huffington Post|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
'''Adam Peter Lanza''' (April 22, 1992 – December 14, 2012) lived with his mother, Nancy Lanza, in Newtown, {{convert|5|mi|0}} from the elementary school.<ref name="NYTimesShyIntelligent">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/adam-lanza-an-enigma-who-is-now-identified-as-a-mass-killer.html?smid=tw-share&pagewanted=all|title=A Gunman, Recalled as Intelligent and Shy, Who Left Few Footprints in Life|first=David M|last=Halbfinger|date=December 14, 2012|work=]|access-date=December 14, 2012|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227191224/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/adam-lanza-an-enigma-who-is-now-identified-as-a-mass-killer.html?smid=tw-share&pagewanted=all|url-status=live}}</ref> He did not have a criminal record.<ref name="ID" /><ref name="EveningSun">{{cite news |first1=Susan |last1=Misur |first2=Angi |last2=Carter |first3=Jenn |last3=Smith |url=http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_22195195/adam-lanzas-family-seemed-like-normal-family |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218054044/http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_22195195/adam-lanzas-family-seemed-like-normal-family |archive-date=December 18, 2012 |date=December 14, 2012 |title=Adam Lanza's family seemed like normal family, neighbors say |newspaper=The Evening Sun |access-date=December 15, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Connecticut shooting suspect was honors student">{{cite news |first1=Pete |last1=Yost |first2=Jason |last2=Keyser |url= http://www.boston.com/news/education/2012/12/14/conn-school-shooting-suspect-was-son-teacher/iElPLevAl8rYwjOXcy1cMK/singlepage.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130119214043/http://www.boston.com/news/education/2012/12/14/conn-school-shooting-suspect-was-son-teacher/iElPLevAl8rYwjOXcy1cMK/singlepage.html |archive-date= January 19, 2013 |date=December 14, 2012|title=Connecticut shooting suspect was honors student |newspaper=] |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> He had access to guns through his mother, who was described as a "gun enthusiast who owned at least a dozen firearms".<ref name="cbsarsenal12-16-12">{{cite news|title=Friends: Newtown gunman's mother home-schooled son, kept arsenal of guns|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/12/16/friends-newtown-gunmans-mother-home-schooled-son-kept-arsenal-of-guns/|work=CBS News|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2012|archive-date=December 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219044839/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/12/16/friends-newtown-gunmans-mother-home-schooled-son-kept-arsenal-of-guns/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYBankoff">{{cite news |last=Bankoff |first=Caroline |title=Newtown Shooter Adam Lanza's Mother Was an Avid Gun Collector |work=New York |date=December 2012 |url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2012/12/adam-lanzas-mother-was-an-avid-gun-collector.html |access-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216200413/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2012/12/adam-lanzas-mother-was-an-avid-gun-collector.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Investigators look for insight into Newtown gunman's mind">{{cite news |title=Investigators look for insight into Newtown gunman's mind |url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/12/14/newtown-school-shooting-who-is-adam-lanza/ |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219133749/http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/12/14/newtown-school-shooting-who-is-adam-lanza/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Survivalists">{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/survivalists-worry-preppers-scapegoated-newtown-shooting-213541985.html|work=Yahoo! News|title=Survivalists worry 'preppers' will be scapegoated for Newtown shooting|last=Goodwin|first=Liz|date=December 19, 2012|access-date=December 19, 2012|archive-date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117052620/http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/survivalists-worry-preppers-scapegoated-newtown-shooting-213541985.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She often took her two sons to a local shooting range, where they learned to shoot.<ref name="Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9747682/Connecticut-school-shooting-troubled-life-of-Adam-Lanza-a-fiercely-intelligent-killer.html |title=Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |first1=Harriet |last1=Alexander |first2=David |last2=Barrett |first3=Laura |last3=Donnelly |first4=Jon |last4=Swaine |date=December 15, 2012 |access-date=April 5, 2018 |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418164407/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9747682/Connecticut-school-shooting-troubled-life-of-Adam-Lanza-a-fiercely-intelligent-killer.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nydailynews2">{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/conn-gunman-learned-shoot-mom-article-1.1220893 |title=Newtown, Conn. shooting: Sandy Hook elementary school gunman Adam Lanza learned to shoot from his gun-collecting mom |first1=Matthew |last1=Lysiak |first2=Dennis |last2=Slattery |first3=Corky |last3=Siemaszko |work=Daily News |location=New York |access-date=December 15, 2012 |date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215184629/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/conn-gunman-learned-shoot-mom-article-1.1220893 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lanza's father has said that he does not believe Nancy feared Lanza. She did not confide any fear of Lanza to her sister or to her best friend, slept with her bedroom door unlocked, and kept guns in the house.<ref name="The Reckoning" /> | |||
<ref name="World leaders express shock over Connecticut shooting">{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gJ4Isu1EHajyiWXnsRl5W2OlBrbg?docId=CNG.523dbeea9e619eecf426809221d998af.131|title=World leaders express shock over Connecticut shooting|work=afp|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
===Education=== | |||
<ref name="foxnews1">{{cite web|title=As nation mourns, investigators try to figure out what led to tragedy in Newtown, Conn. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/16/at-least-26-dead-in-shooting-at-connecticut-school/?cmpid=cmty_twitter_fn#ixzz2FEl4GuRg|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/16/at-least-26-dead-in-shooting-at-connecticut-school/?cmpid=cmty_twitter_fn|publisher=Fox News|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Lanza attended Sandy Hook Elementary School for four and a half years.<ref name="AMWGO">{{cite news |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/2012/12/18/adam-lanza-sandy-hook-student/1777525/ |title=Classmate says Adam Lanza attended Sandy Hook school |first1=Gary |last1=Stoller |first2=Oren |last2=Dorell |date=December 19, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2018 |newspaper=] |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031129/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/2012/12/18/adam-lanza-sandy-hook-student/1777525/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He began at Newtown Middle School in 2004,<ref name="courantMedicalRecords">{{cite news |url=http://www.courant.com:80/hc-adam-lanzas-medical-records-reveal-growing-anxiety-20141121-story.html |title=Adam Lanza's Medical Records Reveal Growing Anxiety |first1=Alaine |last1=Griffin |first2=Josh |last2=Kovner |date=June 30, 2013 |access-date=September 22, 2018 |newspaper=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302081135/http://www.courant.com/hc-adam-lanzas-medical-records-reveal-growing-anxiety-20141121-story.html |archive-date=March 2, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> but according to his mother was "wracked by anxiety".<ref name="NJuO1">{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/adam-lanzas-pediatric-records-reveal-growing-anxiety/ |title=Adam Lanza's Pediatric Records Reveal Growing Anxiety |date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=September 22, 2018 |first1=Alaine |last1=Griffin |first2=Josh |last2=Kovner |work=] |archive-date=September 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922070713/https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/adam-lanzas-pediatric-records-reveal-growing-anxiety/ |url-status=live}}</ref> She told friends that her son started getting upset in middle school because of frequent classroom changes during the day. The movement and noise were too stimulating and made him anxious. At one point, his anxiety was so intense that she took him to the emergency room at Danbury Hospital. Because of the smaller class sizes, his mother moved him to a parochial school, ].<ref name=frustrating-wapo>{{Cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Marc |last2=O'Harrow |first2=Robert |last3=Finn |first3=Peter |date=December 22, 2012 |title=A frustrating search for motive in Newtown shootings |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/a-frustrating-search-for-motive-in-the-madness/2012/12/22/1cbe1cbc-4956-11e2-820e-17eefac2f939_story.html |access-date=August 12, 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924070450/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/a-frustrating-search-for-motive-in-the-madness/2012/12/22/1cbe1cbc-4956-11e2-820e-17eefac2f939_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to a classmate at St. Rose of Lima, he entered "late in the school year", and he left in June 2005.<ref name="NJuO1"/> | |||
At age 14, he went to ], where he was named to the ] in 2007.<ref name="NPRYost12-15-12" /><ref name="cikLJ">{{Cite news|url=http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Newtown-High-School-honor-roll-54220.php|title=Newtown High School honor roll|work=The News-Times|date=May 5, 2007|access-date=October 24, 2017|archive-date=October 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025074723/http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Newtown-High-School-honor-roll-54220.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Students and teachers who knew him in high school described Lanza as "intelligent but nervous and fidgety". He avoided attracting attention and was uncomfortable socializing. He is not known to have had any close friends in school.<ref name="NYTimesShyIntelligent" /> Schoolwork often triggered his underlying sense of hopelessness and by 2008, when he turned 16, he was only going to school occasionally.<ref name="The Reckoning">{{cite magazine|first=Andrew|last=Solomon|url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/17/the-reckoning|title=The Reckoning|magazine=]|date=March 17, 2014|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822134307/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/03/17/the-reckoning|url-status=live}}</ref> The intense anxiety Lanza experienced at the time suggests his ] might have been exacerbated by the hormonal shifts of adolescence.<ref name="The Reckoning" /> He was ] to varying degrees by his mother and father throughout his high school years. In 2008 and 2009, he also attended some classes at ]. He earned a high school diploma from Newtown High School through a combination of tutoring, independent learning and college classes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dixon |first=Ken |title=Report: 'Missed opportunities' to stop Sandy Hook killer |url=https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Report-Missed-opportunities-to-stop-Sandy-Hook-5909052.php |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=Connecticut Post |language=en |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523055822/https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Report-Missed-opportunities-to-stop-Sandy-Hook-5909052.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="FRONTLINE" /> | |||
<ref name="sandygoth">{{cite web|url=http://news.yahoo.com/conn-police-very-good-evidence-gunman-155817889.html|title=Conn. police find 'very good evidence' on gunman}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Danbury Hospital Prepared For School Shooting Massive Casualties, Got Few">{{cite web | url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/danbury-hospital-school-shooting_n_2304756.html | title = Danbury Hospital Prepared For School Shooting Massive Casualties, Got Few | work = The Huffington Post | date = December 14, 2012 | accessdate = December 16, 2012 }}</ref> | |||
<ref name="'Absolutely heartbreaking': Sandy Hook teacher's terrifying experience">{{cite news|url=http://www.wtop.com/1272/3157532/Teacher-Shots-and-shots-and-shots|title='Absolutely heartbreaking': Sandy Hook teacher's terrifying experience|publisher=WTOP}}</ref> | |||
===Early living, developmental and mental health problems=== | |||
<ref name="abclocal">{{cite news|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/national_world&id=8920117|title=20 children, 6 adults killed at Connecticut school|publisher=]|agency=]|date=December 14, 2012|author=John Christoffersen|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Lanza was born and partially raised in ], about {{convert|7|mi|km|sigfig=1}} southwest of ], {{convert|30|mi|km|sigfig=1}} east of ], and {{convert|50|mi|km|sigfig=1}} north of ]. While living in New Hampshire at the time, Lanza exhibited developmental challenges before the age of three. These included communication and sensory difficulties, socialization delays, and repetitive behaviors. He was seen by the New Hampshire Birth to Three intervention program and referred to special education preschool services.<ref name="Child Advocate 2014, p.7" /> Once at elementary school, he was diagnosed with a ]. The sensory-processing disorder does not have official status by the medical community as a formal diagnosis but is a common characteristic of autism.<ref name="spd">{{cite news |title=Newtown Shooter Lanza Had Sensory Processing Disorder|url=http://abpcnews.go.com/Health/newtown-shooter-adam-lanza-sensory-processing-disorder-controversial/story?id=18532645|work=ABC News|access-date=February 20, 2013}}</ref> His anxiety affected his ability to attend school and in 8th grade, he was placed on "homebound" status, which is reserved for children who are too disabled, even with supports and accommodations, to attend school.<ref name="Child Advocate 2014, p.8"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, Office of the Child Advocate, 2014, p.8.</ref> | |||
When he was 13, Lanza was diagnosed with ] by a psychiatrist, Paul Fox.<ref name="The Reckoning" /> When he was 14, his parents took him to ]'s ], where he was also diagnosed with ] (OCD). He frequently washed his hands and changed his socks 20 times a day, to the point where his mother did three loads of laundry a day.<ref name="gtdsT">{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/newtown-shooting-police-file-101561.html |title=Police release documents on Newtown massacre |work=Politico |date=December 27, 2013 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231204759/http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/newtown-shooting-police-file-101561.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He also sometimes went through a box of tissues in a day because he could not touch a doorknob with his bare hand.<ref name="uwZOF">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/adam-lanza-newtown-school-shooter-remains-enigma-despite-files-1.6684722|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229114153/http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/adam-lanza-newtown-school-shooter-remains-enigma-despite-files-1.6684722|archive-date=December 29, 2013 |title=Adam Lanza, Newtown school shooter, remains enigma despite files |work=] |access-date=December 29, 2013}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="abcvictims"> abc.news. Retrieved December 15, 2012.</ref> | |||
Lanza was treated by Robert King, who recommended extensive support be put in place, and King's colleague Kathleen Koenig at the Yale Child Study Center prescribed the antidepressant ].<ref name="yale">{{cite news|title=Sandy Hook shooter treated at Yale|url=http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2014/01/22/sand-hook-shooter-treated-at-yale/|access-date=June 23, 2014|work=Yale Daily News|date=January 22, 2014|archive-date=July 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703193410/http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2014/01/22/sand-hook-shooter-treated-at-yale/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lanza took the medication for three days. His mother Nancy reported: "On the third morning he complained of dizziness. By that afternoon he was disoriented, his speech was disjointed, he couldn't even figure out how to open his cereal box. He was sweating profusely{{nbsp}}... it was actually dripping off his hands. He said he couldn't think{{nbsp}}... He was practically vegetative."<ref name="The Reckoning" /> He never took the medication again.<ref name="yale" /> A report from the Office of the Child Advocate found that "Yale's recommendations for extensive special education supports, ongoing expert consultation, and rigorous therapeutic supports embedded into (Lanza's) daily life went largely unheeded."<ref name="Child Advocate 2014, p.7"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, Office of the Child Advocate, 2014, p.7.</ref> | |||
<ref name="Adam Lanza's Mom Pulled Him Out of School: Relative">{{cite web|title=Adam Lanza's Mom Pulled Him Out of School: Relative|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/adam-lanzas-mom-pulled-school-relative/story?id=17985433 |publisher=ABC News|accessdate=December 15, 2012|last=Kreider|first=Randy}}</ref> | |||
In a 2013 interview, Peter Lanza (Adam's father) said he suspected his son might have also had undiagnosed ] in addition to his other conditions. Lanza said that family members might have missed signs of the onset of schizophrenia and psychotic behavior during his son's adolescence because they mistakenly attributed his odd behavior and increasing isolation to Asperger syndrome.<ref name="The Reckoning" /><ref name="FRONTLINE">{{cite news|title=Raising Adam Lanza|url=http://video.pbs.org/video/2336615746/|access-date=December 11, 2013|work=Frontline|publisher=PBS|date=February 19, 2013|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216055019/http://video.pbs.org/video/2336615746/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Falco">{{cite news | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/17/health/connecticut-shooting-autism/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 | title=Groups: Autism not to blame for violence | date=December 17, 2012 |work=CNN | access-date=December 17, 2012 | last=Falco | first=Miriam | archive-date=February 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205013104/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/17/health/connecticut-shooting-autism/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="JIboT">{{cite news |last=Goodwin |first=Liz |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/photos-details-emerge-newtown-mass-shooter-adam-lanza-124951161.html |title=New photos, details emerge of Newtown mass shooter Adam Lanza | The Lookout |work=Yahoo! News |date=February 19, 2013 |access-date=February 19, 2013 |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219144802/http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/photos-details-emerge-newtown-mass-shooter-adam-lanza-124951161.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="eJn02">{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/adam-lanza-diagnosed-sensory-integration-disorder-18530509 |title=Adam Lanza Diagnosed With Sensory Integration Disorder | Video |work=ABC News |date=February 18, 2013 |access-date=February 19, 2013 |archive-date=February 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218201116/http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/adam-lanza-diagnosed-sensory-integration-disorder-18530509 |url-status=live}}</ref> Because of concerns that published accounts of Lanza's autism could result in a backlash against others with the condition, ] campaigned to clarify that autism is a ] disorder rather than a ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Rochman |first1=Bonnie |title=Guilt by Association: Troubling Legacy of Sandy Hook May Be Backlash Against Children with Autism |url=https://healthland.time.com/2012/12/19/guilt-by-associationtroubling-legacy-of-sandy-hook-may-be-backlash-against-children-with-autism/ |access-date=October 13, 2024 |magazine=Time |date=December 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241013010635/https://healthland.time.com/2012/12/19/guilt-by-associationtroubling-legacy-of-sandy-hook-may-be-backlash-against-children-with-autism/ |archive-date=October 13, 2024}}</ref> The violence Lanza demonstrated in the shooting is generally not seen in the autistic population<ref name="Afraid of Autism">{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/12/adam_lanza_asperger_s_can_autism_explain_the_sandy_hook_tragedy.html|work=]|title=Don't Be Afraid of People With Autism: They are not cold-blooded killers|last=Lutz|first=Amy S.F.|date=December 17, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=December 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221004440/http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/12/adam_lanza_asperger_s_can_autism_explain_the_sandy_hook_tragedy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and none of the psychiatrists he saw detected troubling signs of violence in his disposition.<ref name="The Reckoning" /> | |||
<ref name="afp"> AFP</ref> | |||
Lanza appears to have had no contact with mental health providers after 2006. The report from the Office of the Child Advocate stated: "In the course of Lanza's entire life, minimal mental health evaluation and treatment (in relation to his apparent need) was obtained. Of the couple of providers that saw him, only one—the Yale Child Study Center—seemed to appreciate the gravity of (his) presentation, his need for extensive mental health and special education supports, and the critical need for medication to ease his obsessive-compulsive symptoms."<ref name="Child Advocate 2014, p.8" /> | |||
<ref name="After school massacre, 100,000 Americans petition White House for gun control">{{cite web|title=After school massacre, 100,000 Americans petition White House for gun control|url=http://dailycaller.com/2012/12/15/after-school-massacre-100000-americans-petition-white-house-for-gun-control/ |publisher=The Daily Caller|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Investigators found Lanza was fascinated with mass shootings, such as the Columbine High School massacre. Among the clippings found in his room, there was a story from ''The New York Times'' about a man who shot at schoolchildren in 1891. A book about the ] was also found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=News |first=A. B. C. |title=Sandy Hook Report Offers Grim Details of Adam Lanza's Bedroom |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/sandy-hook-report-inside-gunman-adam-lanzas-bedroom/story?id=21009111 |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> His computer contained two videos of gunshot suicides, movies that showed school shootings, and two pictures of Lanza pointing guns at his own head. Lanza also appeared to show an interest in ], and believed it should not be stigmatized.<ref name="eHF5D">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/25/justice/sandy-hook-shooting-report/ |title=Sandy Hook killer Adam Lanza took motive to his grave - CNN.com |date=December 18, 2013 |website= ]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218072027/http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/25/justice/sandy-hook-shooting-report/ |archive-date=December 18, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="ConneticutPost">{{cite news|title=Computer evidence shows Lanza's interest in pedophilia|url=http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Computer-evidence-shows-Lanza-s-interest-in-5156605.php#photo-5651099|access-date=November 19, 2017|first=Dirk|last=Perrefort|work=]|date=January 19, 2014|archive-date=November 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106210812/http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Computer-evidence-shows-Lanza-s-interest-in-5156605.php#photo-5651099|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="An emotional Obama: 'They had their entire lives ahead of them'">{{cite web|author=Michael O'Brien |url=http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15911507-an-emotional-obama-they-had-their-entire-lives-ahead-of-them?lite |title=An emotional Obama: 'They had their entire lives ahead of them' |publisher=] |date=December 14, 2012 |accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
This only came to light after Lanza died, because he never permitted others to access his bedroom, including his mother. Lanza had also taped black plastic garbage bags over the windows in his bedroom to block out sunlight.<ref name="z3HQv">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/25/justice/sandy-hook-shooting-report/ |title=Sandy Hook killer Adam Lanza took motive to his grave |work=CNN |access-date=December 29, 2013 |date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218072027/http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/25/justice/sandy-hook-shooting-report/ |archive-date=December 18, 2013}}</ref> He had cut off contact with both his father and brother in the two years before the shooting and at one point communicated with his mother, who lived in the same house, only by email. A document titled "Selfish", describing Lanza's belief in the inherent selfishness of women, was found on his computer after his death.<ref name="The Reckoning" /><ref name="DuLQa">{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/sandy-hook-report-inside-gunman-adam-lanzas-bedroom/story?id=21009111 |title=Sandy Hook Report: Inside Gunman Adam Lanza's Bedroom |work=ABC News |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=December 29, 2013 |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231003215/http://abcnews.go.com/US/sandy-hook-report-inside-gunman-adam-lanzas-bedroom/story?id=21009111 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Authorities Search for Motives Behind Elementary School Shooting Massacre">{{cite news|publisher=ABC News|title=Authorities Search for Motives Behind Elementary School Shooting Massacre|date=December 15, 2012|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/authorities-search-motives-elementary-school-shooting-massacre/story?id=17981351|author=Richard Esposito | coauthors=Candace Smith; Matthew Mosk; Christina Ng }}</ref> | |||
===Final months=== | |||
<ref name="cbc">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting.html |publisher=] |title=20 children among dead at school shooting in Connecticut|accessdate=December 14, 2012|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
According to a report by the Office of the Child Advocate in Connecticut in November 2014, Lanza may have had ]. The authors wrote that "Anorexia can produce cognitive impairment and it is likely that anorexia combined with an autism spectrum disorder and OCD compounded Lanza's risk for suicide".<ref name="QMm2z"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.102.</ref> They also noted that at the time of his death, Lanza "was anorexic (he was six feet tall (183 cm) and weighed 112 pounds (51 kg)), to the point of malnutrition and resultant brain damage."<ref name="JsqDg">{{Cite report |date=November 21, 2014 |title=Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School |url=http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |page=102 |access-date=November 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
He was also living in almost total isolation in his room, spending most of his time on the internet playing '']'' and other video games. The report stated that he "descended" into a world where his only communication with the outside world was with members of a cyber-community, "a small community of individuals that shared his dark and obsessive interest in mass murder".<ref name="rjWCu"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.100.</ref> | |||
<ref name="CBS3">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57559336/conn-school-shooting-what-we-know/|title=Conn. school shooting: What we know|publisher= CBS News|date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
In the weeks before the killings, Lanza's mother was considering moving him to another town.<ref name="UkqXL">{{cite news|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nancy-lanza-had-considered-moving-with-her-son-to-washington-state-friend-says/|title=Nancy Lanza had considered moving with her son to Washington state|newspaper=]|date=November 18, 2012|access-date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824053834/http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nancy-lanza-had-considered-moving-with-her-son-to-washington-state-friend-says/|url-status=live}}</ref> She planned to purchase a ] for him to stay in so that potential purchasers could see the house without disturbing him.<ref name="6hLtG"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.103</ref> The Report of the Child Advocate stated that: | |||
<ref name="cbslocal1">{{cite web|title=CT State Police Release Names Of Victims In School Shooting Massacre|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/12/15/ct-state-police-release-names-of-victims-in-school-shooting-massacre/|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
{{blockquote|In the wake of Mrs Lanza's stated plan to move out of Newtown in 2012, and perhaps stimulated by fears of leaving the "]" of his home, Adam planned and executed the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.<ref name="rVsW0"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.8</ref> His severe and deteriorating internalized mental health problems were combined with an atypical preoccupation with violence. Combined with access to deadly weapons, this proved a recipe for mass murder".<ref name="L7cpF"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.9.</ref>}} | |||
<ref name="cbsnews">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57559381/sandy-hook-victims-identified-bodies-removed-from-school-overnight/ |title=Sandy Hook victims identified, bodies removed from school overnight |publisher=CBS News |date= |accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
James Knoll, a ] at ], was consulted about what motivated Lanza to kill. Knoll states that Lanza's final act conveyed a distinct message: "I carry profound hurt—I'll go ballistic and transfer it onto you."<ref name="The Reckoning" /> | |||
<ref name="Children in Connecticut rampage were six, seven; shot multiple times">{{cite web|title=Children in Connecticut rampage were six, seven; shot multiple times|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/15/uk-usa-shooting-connecticut-idUKBRE8BD0Z220121215|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
== Legal proceedings == | |||
<ref name="cnn1"> CNN Aired December 15, 2012 – 15:00 ET</ref> | |||
In January 2015, the families of two of the first-graders who died in the shooting filed a lawsuit against the city of Newtown and the Newtown Board of Education alleging inadequate security at the school.<ref name="2015Lawsuit2Federal">{{cite news|last1=Richinick|first1=Michele|date=January 22, 2015|title=Gun manufacturer moves Sandy Hook lawsuit to federal court|work=MSNBC|url=http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/gun-manufacturer-moves-sandy-hook-lawsuit-federal-court|url-status=live|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518105236/http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/gun-manufacturer-moves-sandy-hook-lawsuit-federal-court|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> On May 7, 2018, judgement was published on the side of the defendants, concluding in part that "the court has decided that the plaintiffs' claims against the defendants are barred by governmental immunity".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/lewis-v-newton-board-of-education|title=Lewis v. Newton Board of Education, CV156075650S | Casetext Search + Citator|website=casetext.com}}</ref> In March 2015, it was announced that parents of children and teachers killed in the shooting had filed lawsuits against the estate of Nancy Lanza. The suits were based on a claim that she did not properly secure her firearms, which allowed her son, a person with mental health issues, to gain access to them. The attorneys representing the families said Lanza was believed to have had homeowner's insurance on her home worth more than $1 million and they were seeking compensation based on that.<ref name="2015lawsuits">{{cite news|last1=Polansky|first1=Rob|date=March 13, 2015|title=Nine Sandy Hook families sue Lanza estate|work=Eyewitness News 3|agency=WFSB|url=http://www.wfsb.com/story/28472592/nine-sandy-hook-families-sue-lanza-estate|url-status=live|access-date=March 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314193455/http://www.wfsb.com/story/28472592/nine-sandy-hook-families-sue-lanza-estate|archive-date=March 14, 2015}}</ref> The case was settled in December 2015, with sixteen plaintiffs sharing a $1.5m payment from the estate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/23/us/connecticut-sandy-hook-settlement/index.html|title=Sandy Hook families to share $1.5M from estate of shooter's mother|first=Sarah|last=Jorgensen|date=December 23, 2015|website=CNN}}</ref> | |||
On October 16, 2019, a jury awarded Leonard Pozner {{US$|450000|2019|long=no}} for defamation by ], who had co-written the book ''Nobody Died at Sandy Hook''. The book claimed that Pozner had fabricated the death certificate of his son Noah, a six-year-old victim of the shooting. Fetzer said he would appeal the decision.<ref name="KYHy2">{{cite news|date=October 16, 2019|title=Sandy Hook shooting: Parent awarded $450,000 for defamation|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50074652|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016211612/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50074652|archive-date=October 16, 2019}}</ref> Fetzer petitioned for an appeal, which was denied, to which he petitioned for a rehearing, which was also denied.<ref>{{cite web|title=James Fetzer, Petitioner v. Leonard Pozner|website=Supreme Court of the United States|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/21-7916.html|access-date=January 4, 2024|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210051139/https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=%2Fdocket%2Fdocketfiles%2Fhtml%2Fpublic%2F21-7916.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="cnnlatest"> cnn.com Retrieved December 16, 6:44am</ref> | |||
=== Remington === | |||
<ref name="conn">Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29–34(b), § 29–35.</ref> | |||
On December 15, 2014, nine families of the 26 victims of the shooting filed a class-action lawsuit in Connecticut against Bushmaster, ], Camfour, a distributor of firearms, and the now-closed East Windsor store, Riverview Sales, where the gunman's rifle was purchased, seeking "unspecified" damages,<ref name="bbc_lawsuit">{{cite news|date=December 15, 2014|title=Sandy Hook victims' families file lawsuit against gun maker|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30484531|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215201000/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30484531|archive-date=December 15, 2014}}</ref> claiming an exemption from the 2005 Federal ] (PLCAA) that would normally disallow such a suit as lacking ].<ref name="s5Mas">{{cite web|last1=Terrill|first1=Daniel|title=Remington tries for dismissal in Sandy Hook, Bushmaster case|url=http://www.guns.com/2016/02/22/remington-lawyers-try-for-dismissal-in-sandy-hook-bushmaster-case/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223105046/http://www.guns.com/2016/02/22/remington-lawyers-try-for-dismissal-in-sandy-hook-bushmaster-case/|archive-date=February 23, 2016|access-date=February 23, 2016|website=Guns.com}}</ref><ref name="obbieatlantic">{{cite magazine|last1=Obbie|first1=Mark|date=February 17, 2016|title=Will a Gun Manufacturer Be Held Liable for Sandy Hook?|magazine=The Atlantic |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/bushmaster-sandy-hook-liability/463245/|url-status=live|access-date=February 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221135238/http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/bushmaster-sandy-hook-liability/463245/|archive-date=February 21, 2016}}</ref> The plaintiffs allege that the XM15-E2S is suitable only for military and policing applications and that Bushmaster inappropriately marketed it to civilians.<ref name="obbieatlantic" /> In January 2015, Bushmaster's attorneys petitioned to have the suit moved to federal court because, although the shooting took place in Connecticut, it is located in North Carolina.<ref name="2015Lawsuit2Federal" /> In February 2015, the victims' families' attorneys made a motion to move the suit back to state court.<ref name="2015MovebacktoCT">{{cite news|last1=Stewart|first1=Doug|date=February 17, 2015|title=Sandy Hook families push to move Bushmaster lawsuit back to state court|work=FOX CT |url=http://foxct.com/2015/02/17/sandy-hook-families-push-to-move-bushmaster-lawsuit-back-to-state-court/|url-status=live|access-date=May 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506090343/http://foxct.com/2015/02/17/sandy-hook-families-push-to-move-bushmaster-lawsuit-back-to-state-court/|archive-date=May 6, 2015}}</ref> On April 14, 2016, a Connecticut court denied the defendants' motion to summarily dismiss the case.<ref name="JUekg">{{cite news|last1=Gorman|first1=Michele|date=April 14, 2016|title=Sandy Hook Lawsuit: Judge Rules Against Gun Companies|work=Newsweek|url=http://www.newsweek.com/connecticut-judge-dismisses-gun-manufacturers-motion-dismiss-447918|url-status=live|access-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415190357/http://www.newsweek.com/connecticut-judge-dismisses-gun-manufacturers-motion-dismiss-447918|archive-date=April 15, 2016}}</ref> Lawyers for the defense filed a second motion for dismissal a month later.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|last1=Fantz|first1=Ashley|date=June 20, 2016|title=Gun makers urge judge to toss Sandy Hook lawsuit|work=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/06/20/health/sandy-hook-newtown-gun-lawsuit/|url-status=live|access-date=April 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165720/https://edition.cnn.com/2016/06/20/health/sandy-hook-newtown-gun-lawsuit/|archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref> On October 14, 2016, the defendants' motion to dismiss the lawsuit was granted. The judge ruled the complaint was not valid per federal and Connecticut laws.<ref name="dismissalNYDailyNews">{{cite news|last1=Brennan|first1=Christopher|date=October 14, 2016|title=Conn. judge dismisses Sandy Hook families' lawsuit against gunmaker|work=Daily News|location=New York|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/judge-dismisses-sandy-hook-families-lawsuit-gunmaker-article-1.2831108|url-status=live|access-date=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014205049/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/judge-dismisses-sandy-hook-families-lawsuit-gunmaker-article-1.2831108|archive-date=October 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="thrownout">{{cite news|last1=Mason|first1=Melvin|date=October 14, 2016|title=Sandy Hook families' lawsuit thrown out |newspaper=Stratford Star|url=http://www.stratfordstar.com/58379/sandy-hook-families-lawsuit-thrown-out/|url-status=live|access-date=October 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018190351/http://www.stratfordstar.com/58379/sandy-hook-families-lawsuit-thrown-out/|archive-date=October 18, 2016|quote=In her 54-page ruling, Bellis said the allegations "do not fit within the common-law tort of negligence entrustment under well established Connecticut law, nor do they come within the PLCAA 's definition of negligent entrustment."}}</ref><ref name="Memorandum of Decision">{{cite web|date=October 14, 2016|title=Memorandum of Decision|url=http://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/DocumentInquiry/DocumentInquiry.aspx?DocumentNo=11214676|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230192349/http://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/DocumentInquiry/DocumentInquiry.aspx?DocumentNo=11214676|archive-date=December 30, 2016|access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name="TiPO8">{{Cite news|date=October 14, 2016|title=Connecticut Judge Dismisses Sandy Hook Families' Suit Against Gunmaker|newspaper=The New York Times|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2016/10/14/us/14reuters-connecticut-shooting.html|access-date=October 15, 2016|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
The families appealed to the ]. In March 2019, the court decided in a 4–3 vote to reverse parts of the trial court's rulings and remand the case back to Bridgeport Superior Court for additional hearings. It ruled<ref name="VTtxr">{{cite web|last=Altimari|first=Dave|date=March 17, 2019|title=Supreme Court ruling in Sandy Hook case could reveal gun manufacturer's confidential marketing strategy for semiautomaic firearms|url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-sandy-hook-gun-case-folo-20190317-hq77kvcvrzczze2bno74ousz64-story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926191226/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-sandy-hook-gun-case-folo-20190317-hq77kvcvrzczze2bno74ousz64-story.html|archive-date=September 26, 2019|access-date=March 18, 2019|website=The Hartford Courant}}</ref> that the families' appeal to the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, demonstrating that the gun manufacturers had used advertising that presented the weapons in an "unfair, unethical, or dangerous manner", with Remington seeking to "expand the market for assault weapons through advertising campaigns that encouraged consumers{{nbsp}}... to launch offensive assaults against their perceived enemies", was not prohibited by PLCAA, and thus that the plaintiffs had sufficient standing to argue their case at trial court. It also ruled that the plaintiffs can subpoena internal documents on how gun companies have marketed the AR-15.<ref name="slate csc reverse">{{cite web|last=Stern|first=Mark Joseph|date=March 14, 2019|title=Connecticut Supreme Court Issues Stunning Decision Allowing Sandy Hook Families to Sue Gun Manufacturer|url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/03/sandy-hook-connecticut-supreme-court-guns-nra-remington.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315054112/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/03/sandy-hook-connecticut-supreme-court-guns-nra-remington.html|archive-date=March 15, 2019|access-date=March 14, 2019|work=]}}</ref> Remington asked the ] to review the state court ruling, but in November 2019 the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, allowing the families' suit to proceed.<ref name="DhAAP">{{cite news|last=de Vogue|first=Ariane|date=November 12, 2019|title=Supreme Court allows Sandy Hook families to sue Remington|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/12/business/remington-sandy-hook-supreme-court/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112160109/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/12/business/remington-sandy-hook-supreme-court/index.html|archive-date=November 12, 2019|access-date=November 12, 2019|work=CNN}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="conn-school">. ''CBSNews''. Retrieved: December 15, 2012.</ref> | |||
On July 26, 2021, a judge refused to dismiss the lawsuit. In court documents the next day, Remington offered $33 million to be shared by the nine families.<ref name="Romo">{{cite news|last=Romo|first=Vanessa|date=July 28, 2021|title=Gun-Maker Offers Sandy Hook Families $33 Million. Here's What They May Be Considering|work=]|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/28/1022035192/gun-maker-offers-sandy-hook-families-33-million-heres-what-they-may-be-consideri|access-date=July 29, 2021|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729105303/https://www.npr.org/2021/07/28/1022035192/gun-maker-offers-sandy-hook-families-33-million-heres-what-they-may-be-consideri|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 15, 2022, Remington agreed to settle for $73 million,<ref>{{cite web|last=Murdock|first=Sebastian|date=February 15, 2022|title=Sandy Hook Families Win $73 Million In Lawsuit Against Remington Arms|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/remington-arms-settles-liability-claims-in-lawsuit-against-sandy-hook-families_n_620bc87fe4b083bd1cc4f7f6|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=HuffPost|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215181107/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/remington-arms-settles-liability-claims-in-lawsuit-against-sandy-hook-families_n_620bc87fe4b083bd1cc4f7f6|url-status=live}}</ref> according to the families' attorney, Josh Koskoff.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 16, 2022|title=Families of Sandy Hook victims settle with Remington|page=1|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60312237|access-date=February 16, 2022|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216000704/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60312237|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="conn-school">. ''CBSNews''. Retrieved December 15, 2012.</ref> | |||
=== Alex Jones === | |||
<ref name="Conn. Governor: 'evil visited this community'">{{cite news|url=http://on.aol.com/video/conn--governor--evil-visited-this-community-517599663|title=Conn. Governor: 'evil visited this community'|publisher=]|agency=Associated Press|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
{{main|Alex Jones#Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting}} | |||
{{see also|The Truth vs. Alex Jones{{!}}''The Truth vs. Alex Jones''}} | |||
On April 17, 2018, radio host and conspiracy theorist ] was sued for defamation by three parents whose children were killed in the shooting. Prior to this, Jones said that the Sandy Hook shooting was "completely fake" and a "giant hoax" perpetrated by opponents of the ].<ref name="Xo5i6">{{Cite news|last=Haag|first=Matthew|date=April 17, 2018|title=Sandy Hook Parents Sue Alex Jones for Defamation|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/17/business/media/alex-jones-sandy-hook.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417235404/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/17/business/media/alex-jones-sandy-hook.html|archive-date=April 17, 2018|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Jones claims he later believed the shooting was real.<ref name="VZiLy">{{cite news |title=The Latest: Host Alex Jones responds to Sandy Hook lawsuits|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/latest-host-alex-jones-responds-sandy-hook-lawsuits-article-1.3939927|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623221938/http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/news/business/latest-host-alex-jones-responds-sandy-hook-lawsuits-article-1.3939927|archive-date=June 23, 2018|access-date=June 23, 2018|work=NY Daily News}}</ref> On May 23, 2018, six more families sued Jones for his claims.<ref name="2s9FJ">{{cite news |last1=Zadrozny|first1=Brandy|author-link1=Brandy Zadrozny|title=Six more families sue Alex Jones over Sandy Hook conspiracy claims|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/six-more-families-sue-alex-jones-over-sandy-hook-conspiracy-n876881|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622180853/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/six-more-families-sue-alex-jones-over-sandy-hook-conspiracy-n876881|archive-date=June 22, 2018|access-date=June 23, 2018|work=NBC News}}</ref> Jones was found to be in contempt of court by a Texas judge even before the trial started, failing to produce witnesses and materials relevant to the procedures. Consequently, Jones and ] were fined a total of $126,000 in October and December 2019.<ref name="Qk9O6">{{Cite news|date=December 31, 2019|title=Alex Jones ordered to pay $100,000 in Sandy Hook defamation case|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50960730|url-status=live|access-date=December 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231214243/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50960730|archive-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> | |||
In October 2021, Jones was ordered to pay damages and was criticized by a judge for failing to hand over documents requested by the courts.<ref>{{cite news|author=Timothy Bella|date=October 1, 2021|title=Alex Jones must pay damages to Sandy Hook families after calling shooting a 'giant hoax,' judge rules|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/alex-jones-must-pay-damages-to-sandy-hook-families-after-calling-shooting-a-giant-hoax-judge-rules/ar-AAP2pPN?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 2, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001151333/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/alex-jones-must-pay-damages-to-sandy-hook-families-after-calling-shooting-a-giant-hoax-judge-rules/ar-AAP2pPN?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/alex-jones-held-liable-in-sandy-hook-defamation-cases-11633107365|title=Alex Jones Held Liable in Sandy Hook Defamation Cases|first=Jennifer|last=Calfas|newspaper=WSJ|date=October 1, 2021|via=www.wsj.com|access-date=October 2, 2021|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009222145/https://www.wsj.com/articles/alex-jones-held-liable-in-sandy-hook-defamation-cases-11633107365|url-status=live}}</ref> Jones declared bankruptcy in April 2022 as a result of the defamation lawsuits caused by his claims that the shooting was a hoax.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alex-jones-bankruptcy-filing-infowars-defamation-suits-sandy-hook/|title=Alex Jones' Infowars files for bankruptcy in wake of defamation suits over his assertions that the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=April 18, 2022|access-date=April 18, 2022|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418175556/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alex-jones-bankruptcy-filing-infowars-defamation-suits-sandy-hook/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/18/us/alex-jones-infowars-bankruptcy.html|title=Alex Jones's Infowars Files for Bankruptcy|first=Derrick Bryson|last=Taylor|work=The New York Times|date=April 18, 2022|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=April 18, 2022|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418175016/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/18/us/alex-jones-infowars-bankruptcy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9747682/Connecticut-school-shooting-Troubled-life-of-Adam-Lanza-a-fiercely-intelligent-killer.html|title=Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> | |||
On August 4, 2022, Jones was ordered to pay $4.1M compensatory damages to Sandy Hook parents and, on August 5, 2022, he was ordered to pay a further $45.2M in punitive damages.<ref>{{cite news |author=Dylan Stableford |url=https://news.yahoo.com/alex-jones-sandy-hook-defamation-trial-verdict-infowars-214026160.html |title=Alex Jones must pay $4.1 million to Sandy Hook parents, jury finds |work=Yahoo! News |date=August 4, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809071844/https://news.yahoo.com/alex-jones-sandy-hook-defamation-trial-verdict-infowars-214026160.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Samee |first=Safia |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alex-jones-must-pay-41-million-parents-sandy-hook-school-massacre-vict-rcna41493 |title=Alex Jones must pay at least $4.1 million to parents of a Sandy Hook school massacre victim in defamation case, jury rules |work=NBC News |date= |access-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811201858/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alex-jones-must-pay-41-million-parents-sandy-hook-school-massacre-vict-rcna41493 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Massie |first1=Graeme |title=Alex Jones ordered to pay additional $45.2m in punitive damages by Texas jury |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/alex-jones-jury-sandy-hook-b2139336.html |work=The Independent |date=August 5, 2022 |language=en |access-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810222308/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/alex-jones-jury-sandy-hook-b2139336.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Connecticut school victims were shot multiple times">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/15/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html|title=Connecticut school victims were shot multiple times|work=CNN|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On October 12, 2022, Jones was ordered to pay $965 million in damages to the families of Sandy Hook victims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/jury-begins-third-day-deliberations-alex-jones-sandy-hook-defamation-trial-2022-10-12/|title=Alex Jones must pay Sandy Hook families nearly $1 billion for hoax claims, jury says|work=Reuters|first=Jack|last=Queen|date=October 12, 2022|access-date=October 12, 2022|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105203939/https://www.reuters.com/legal/jury-begins-third-day-deliberations-alex-jones-sandy-hook-defamation-trial-2022-10-12/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name = AP2024>{{Cite news |date=November 14, 2024 |title=Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones' Infowars at auction with Sandy Hook families' backing |url=https://apnews.com/article/onion-buys-infowars-alex-jones-6496f198d141c991087dcd937b3588e9 |access-date=November 14, 2024 |agency=AP News |language=en}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Connecticut shooting suspect was honors student">{{cite news|author=Pete Yost and Jason Keyser|url=http://www.boston.com/news/education/2012/12/14/conn-school-shooting-suspect-was-son-teacher/iElPLevAl8rYwjOXcy1cMK/story.html|date=December 14, 2012|title=Connecticut shooting suspect was honors student|newspaper=]|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On November 14, 2024, InfoWars and its associated brands were sold to ] at auction after a special deal was reached with the victim's families, allowing the Onion to become the top bidder above a company affiliated with Jones.<ref name = AP2024/> | |||
<ref name="courant"> ''Hartford Courant''</ref> | |||
== Aftermath == | |||
<ref name="ctnews">{{cite news|url=http://blog.ctnews.com/newtownshooting/2012/12/14/hero-teacher-rushed-students-to-bathroom-to-keep-students-safe/|title=‘Hero teacher’ rushed students to bathroom to keep students safe|date=December 14, 2012|newspaper=Connecticut News|author=Tom Cleary|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The school was closed indefinitely following the shooting, partially because it remained a crime scene.<ref name="Sandy Hook Elementary School Closed Indefinitely">{{cite news|last=James|first=Will|date=December 17, 2012|title=Sandy Hook Elementary School Closed Indefinitely|newspaper=]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323723104578185280304627400|url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310184758/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323723104578185280304627400|archive-date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> Sandy Hook students returned to classes on January 3, 2013, at ] in nearby ] at the town's invitation. Chalk Hill at the time was an unused facility, refurbished after the shooting, with desks and equipment brought in from Sandy Hook Elementary. The Chalk Hill school was temporarily renamed "Sandy Hook".<ref name="reuters chalk hill">{{cite news|date=December 16, 2012|title=Connecticut survivors to attend school in neighboring town|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-shooting-connecticut-school-idUSBRE8BF0B520121216|url-status=live|access-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216203631/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/16/us-usa-shooting-connecticut-school-idUSBRE8BF0B520121216|archive-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref><ref name="newstimes chalk hill">{{cite news|date=December 16, 2012|title=Sandy Hook students to move to Monroe school|work=The News-Times|url=http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Sandy-Hook-students-to-move-to-Monroe-school-4122271.php|url-status=live|access-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220151509/http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Sandy-Hook-students-to-move-to-Monroe-school-4122271.php|archive-date=December 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Sandy Hook to Go Back to School">{{cite news|date=January 3, 2013|title=Newtown shooting: Sandy Hook students back to school|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20896341|url-status=live|access-date=January 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103021005/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20896341|archive-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> The ] created a scholarship for the surviving children of the shootings.<ref name="UConn Scholarship">{{cite web|last=DeSantis|first=Nick|date=December 18, 2012|title=UConn Creates a Scholarship in Honor of School-Shooting Victims|url=http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/jp/uconn-creates-a-scholarship-in-honor-of-school-shooting-victims|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117081902/http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/jp/uconn-creates-a-scholarship-in-honor-of-school-shooting-victims|archive-date=January 17, 2013|access-date=December 19, 2012|work=]}}</ref> | |||
On January 31, the Newtown school board voted unanimously to ask for police officer presence in all of its elementary schools; previously other schools in the district had such protection, but Sandy Hook had not been one of those.<ref name="SchoolBoard">{{cite news|last=Zaretsky|first=Mark|date=January 31, 2013|title=Newtown board wants more cops in schools|work=New Haven Register|location=New Haven, Connecticut|url=http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2013/01/31/news/doc510b4f1251891266411083.txt|access-date=February 7, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216133129/http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2013/01/31/news/doc510b4f1251891266411083.txt|archive-date=February 16, 2013}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Daily Mail">{{cite web|title=Children and adults gunned down in Connecticut school . Cops quizzing kid brother|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ushome/index.html|publisher=]|accessdate=December 14, 2012|author=Rachel Quigley|date=December 14, 2012| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5xFDqAupB | archivedate = March 17, 2011| deadurl=no}}</ref> | |||
On May 10, a task force of 28 appointed members voted to demolish the existing Sandy Hook Elementary school and have a new school built in its place. The $57 million proposed project was sent to the Newtown Board of Education for approval, to be followed by a public ballot.<ref name="4i8EA">{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Devin|date=May 11, 2013|title=Task force: Sandy Hook Elementary should be torn down, rebuilt|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-sandy-hook-elementary-newtown-rebuilt-20130511,0,1782767.story|url-status=live|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512042357/http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-sandy-hook-elementary-newtown-rebuilt-20130511,0,1782767.story|archive-date=May 12, 2013}}</ref><ref name="58VJa">{{cite news|last=Brumfield|first=Ben|date=May 11, 2013|title=Sandy Hook task force recommends demolition and rebuilding|work=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/11/us/connecticut-sandy-hook-demolish/index.html?hpt=hp_t2|url-status=live|access-date=May 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609001146/http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/11/us/connecticut-sandy-hook-demolish/index.html?hpt=hp_t2|archive-date=June 9, 2013}}</ref> In October 2013, Newtown residents voted 4,504–558 in favor of the proposed demolition and reconstruction, to be funded by $50 million in state money.<ref name="tPqzP">{{cite news|last=Chappell|first=Bill|date=October 6, 2013|title=The Votes Are In: Sandy Hook Elementary Will Be Torn Down|work=WBUR|url=http://www.wbur.org/npr/229797855/the-votes-are-in-sandy-hook-elementary-will-be-torn-down|url-status=live|access-date=October 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014165800/http://www.wbur.org/npr/229797855/the-votes-are-in-sandy-hook-elementary-will-be-torn-down|archive-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> Demolition began on October 25<ref name="R7lm5">{{cite news|last1=Ford|first1=Bev|last2=Siemaszko|first2=Corky|date=October 25, 2013|title=Sandy Hook Elementary School razing begins in Newtown, Conn.|work=Daily News|location=New York|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/sandy-hook-elementary-school-destruction-begins-article-1.1496521|url-status=live|access-date=November 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126060805/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/sandy-hook-elementary-school-destruction-begins-article-1.1496521|archive-date=November 26, 2013}}</ref> and was completed in December 2013 at a cost of nearly US$1.4 million.<ref name="2013Demo">{{cite news|last1=Richinick|first1=Michele|date=January 2, 2014|title=Construction crews completely demolish former Sandy Hook Elementary School|agency=MSNBC|url=http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/sandy-hook-demolished-winterized|url-status=live|access-date=December 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221174834/http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/sandy-hook-demolished-winterized|archive-date=December 21, 2014}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="DMUK">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2248874/Victoria-Soto-heroic-teacher-gave-life-save-terrified-children.html|title=The heroic teacher who gave her life to save terrified children from school massacre gunman Adam Lanza|author=Martin Delgado|publisher=Daily Mail|date=December 16, 2012|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
After the town ] was inundated with requests from the media,<ref name="limits">{{cite news|date=February 24, 2013|title=Connecticut mulls death certificate limits after Newtown massacre|work=Fox News |agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/connecticut-mulls-death-certificate-limits-after-newtown-massacre/|url-status=live|access-date=March 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301032853/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/02/24/connecticut-mulls-death-certificate-limits-after-newtown-massacre/|archive-date=March 1, 2013}}</ref> ] Republican ] introduced legislation that would restrict access to public information available under the ].<ref name="limits" /> On June 5, both houses (Senate and House of Representatives) of the Connecticut state legislature passed a bill modifying the state's Freedom of Information Act in order to "prevent the release of crime-scene photos and video evidence from the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre and other Connecticut homicides, concerned such records would be spread on the Internet." The bill then went on to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's desk for his signature. The bill creates a new exemption to the state's Freedom of Information Act. The release of photographs, film, video, digital or other visual images depicting a homicide victim is prevented if such records "could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of the victim or the victim's surviving family members."<ref name="a67QC">{{cite news|last=Haigh|first=Susan|title=Conn. lawmakers OK compromise Newtown privacy bill|agency=Associated Press|url=https://news.yahoo.com/conn-lawmakers-ok-compromise-newtown-privacy-bill-125054707.html|url-status=live|access-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605165922/http://news.yahoo.com/conn-lawmakers-ok-compromise-newtown-privacy-bill-125054707.html|archive-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Enrollment Report as of November 30, 2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.newtown.k12.ct.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=yrE601iIboU%3d&tabid=3295&mid=39347|title=Enrollment Report as of November 30, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The ], a ], was formed to help survivors and families of the victims while also continuing the service of assisting others impacted by other shootings across the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hockley |first=Nicole |title=My son never came home from Sandy Hook. My heart bleeds for Texas as I relive Dylan's murder. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2022/05/24/sandy-hook-mom-uvalde-texas-school-shootings/9914520002/?gnt-cfr=1 |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609183757/https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2022/05/24/sandy-hook-mom-uvalde-texas-school-shootings/9914520002/?gnt-cfr=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
<ref name="esposito">{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/twenty-children-died-newtown-connecticut-school-shooting/story?id=17973836#.UMu_ybaDVGU|title=20 Children Died in Newtown, Conn., School Massacre|agency=Associated Press|author=Richard Esposito, Candice Smith, and Christina Ng|newspaper=ABC News|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
==Responses== | |||
<ref name="EveningSun">{{cite news|author=Susan Misur, Angi Carter and Jenn Smith|url=http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_22195195/adam-lanzas-family-seemed-like-normal-family|date=December 14, 2012|title=Adam Lanza's family seemed like normal family, neighbors say|newspaper=]|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<!-- Please do not add every reaction here. See talk page if you have questions or need clarification. --> | |||
{{Main|Reactions to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting}} | |||
] | |||
<ref name="Father of Newtown shooter lives in Stamford">{{cite news|url=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Father-of-Newtown-shooter-lives-in-Stamford-4119559.php|title=Father of Newtown shooter lives in Stamford|newspaper=Stamford Advocate|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
President ] gave a televised address on the day of the shootings: "We're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics."<ref name="Statement by the President on the School Shooting in Newtown, CT">{{cite press release |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/12/14/president-obama-makes-statement-shooting-newtown-connecticut |title=Statement by the President on the School Shooting in Newtown, CT |website=White House Press Office |date=December 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716072113/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/12/14/president-obama-makes-statement-shooting-newtown-connecticut |archive-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> Obama expressed "enormous sympathy for families that are affected".<ref name="WashingtonPost">{{cite news |title=Official with knowledge of Conn. school shooting: 27 dead, including 18 children |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/state-police-respond-to-report-of-school-shooting-in-newtown-conn-lockdown-in-place/2012/12/14/df59a9aa-4602-11e2-8c8f-fbebf7ccab4e_story.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121214184915/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/state-police-respond-to-report-of-school-shooting-in-newtown-conn-lockdown-in-place/2012/12/14/df59a9aa-4602-11e2-8c8f-fbebf7ccab4e_story.html |archive-date= December 14, 2012 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=] |access-date=December 14, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Obama on Connecticut Shooting: We Need 'Meaningful Action'">{{cite web |first1=Sabrina |last1=Siddiqui |first2=Elise |last2=Foley |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/obama-connecticut-shooting_n_2303017.html |title=Obama on Connecticut Shooting: We Need 'Meaningful Action' |website=] |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215041833/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/obama-connecticut-shooting_n_2303017.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="An emotional Obama: 'They had their entire lives ahead of them'">{{cite news |first=Michael |last=O'Brien |url=http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15911507-an-emotional-obama-they-had-their-entire-lives-ahead-of-them?lite |title=An emotional Obama: 'They had their entire lives ahead of them' |work=] |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 14, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215023115/http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15911507-an-emotional-obama-they-had-their-entire-lives-ahead-of-them?lite |url-status=live}}</ref> He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the ] and other U.S. federal government facilities worldwide in respect of the victims.<ref name="Whitehouse">{{cite press release |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/14/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-shooting-newtown-connecticut |website=White House Press Office |title=Presidential Proclamation{{nbsp}}– Honoring the Victims of the Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121214236/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/14/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-shooting-newtown-connecticut |url-status=live}}</ref> On December 16, Obama traveled to Newtown where he met with victims' families and spoke at an ] vigil.<ref name="President Obama To Visit Newtown Sunday">{{cite web|title=President Obama To Visit Newtown Sunday|url=http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-obama-newtown-shooting-20121215,0,611830.story|work=]|date=December 15, 2012|access-date=December 16, 2012|archive-date=December 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216070857/http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-obama-newtown-shooting-20121215,0,611830.story|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
], the ], addressed the media the evening of the shootings near a local church holding a vigil for the victims, urging the people of Connecticut to come together and help each other. Malloy said, "Evil visited this community today, and it is too early to speak of recovery, but each parent, each sibling, each member of the family has to understand that Connecticut, we are all in this together, we will do whatever we can to overcome this event, we will get through it."<ref name="Police: 20 children among 27 victims of Connecticut school shooting" /><ref name="Conn. Governor: 'evil visited this community'">{{cite news |url=http://on.aol.com/video/conn--governor--evil-visited-this-community-517599663 |title=Conn. Governor: 'evil visited this community' |work=] |agency=Associated Press |date=December 14, 2012 |access-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-date=December 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219011643/http://on.aol.com/video/conn--governor--evil-visited-this-community-517599663 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hundreds of mourners, including Malloy, attended vigils in various churches in Newtown.<ref name="Hundreds pack Conn. church for vigil after rampage">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hundreds-pack-conn-church-for-vigil-after-rampage/|title=Hundreds pack Conn. church for vigil after rampage|work=]|agency=Associated Press|date=December 14, 2012|access-date=December 14, 2012|archive-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215022633/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57559366/hundreds-pack-conn-church-for-vigil-after-rampage/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hundreds pack Conn. churches after rampage">{{cite news|last=Moore|first=Martha|title=Hundreds pack Conn. churches after rampage|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting-vigil/1770811/|work=USA Today|access-date=December 15, 2012|date=December 14, 2012|archive-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215024732/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting-vigil/1770811/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 17, Malloy called for a statewide ] and church bells to be tolled 26 times at 9:30{{nbsp}}a.m. on December 21, exactly one week after the school shooting.<ref name="Newtown shooting: funerals to be held for victims">{{cite news|title=Newtown shooting: funerals to be held for victims|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/us-news-blog/2012/dec/17/newtown-shootings-funerals-victims-live|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 17, 2012|location=London|first=Tom|last=McCarthy|date=December 17, 2012|archive-date=September 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904101609/http://www.theguardian.com/world/us-news-blog/2012/dec/17/newtown-shootings-funerals-victims-live|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Fox News">{{cite web|title=Gunman kills 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/14/police-respond-to-shooting-at-connecticut-elementary-school/|publisher=FoxNews.com|accessdate=December 14, 2012|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
<ref name="GNIS">, ], October 24, 2001</ref> | |||
] ] said: "our thanks go out to every teacher, staff member, and first responder who cared for, comforted, and protected children from harm, often at risk to themselves. We will do everything in our power to assist and support the healing and recovery of Newtown."<ref name="Turner">{{cite news|title=Children and adults gunned down in Connecticut school massacre|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/14/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school/|date=December 14, 2012|website=]|access-date=December 14, 2012|archive-date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215114233/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/14/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
The day after the shootings, Lanza's father released a statement: | |||
<ref name="GuardianSoto">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/15/sandy-hook-teacher-victoria-soto|title=Victoria Soto: Sandy Hook teacher who wanted to mould young minds|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
{{blockquote|Our hearts go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones and to all those who were injured. Our family is grieving along with all those who have been affected by this enormous tragedy. No words can truly express how heartbroken we are. We are in a state of disbelief and trying to find whatever answers we can. We too are asking why. We have cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so. Like so many of you, we are saddened, but struggling to make sense of what has transpired.<ref name="Peter Lanza Statement: Father Of Adam Lanza Says, 'We Too Are Asking Why'">{{cite news|title=Peter Lanza Statement: Father Of Adam Lanza Says, 'We Too Are Asking Why'|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/15/peter-lanza-statement-adam-lanza_n_2308744.html|access-date=December 16, 2012|website=]|date=December 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216044247/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/15/peter-lanza-statement-adam-lanza_n_2308744.html|archive-date=December 16, 2012}}</ref>}} | |||
<ref name="GuardianSoto">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/15/sandy-hook-teacher-victoria-soto|title=Victoria Soto: Sandy Hook teacher who wanted to mould young minds|publisher=Guardian UK|author=Matt Williams|date=December 15, 2012|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Leaders from other countries and organizations throughout the world also offered their condolences through the weekend after the shooting.<ref name="World leaders">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gJ4Isu1EHajyiWXnsRl5W2OlBrbg?docId=CNG.523dbeea9e619eecf426809221d998af.131 |title=World leaders express shock over Connecticut shooting |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=December 15, 2012 |access-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131034047/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gJ4Isu1EHajyiWXnsRl5W2OlBrbg?docId=CNG.523dbeea9e619eecf426809221d998af.131 |archive-date=January 31, 2013}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Gunman dead after killing 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school">{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/14/at-least-27-dead-in-shooting-at-connecticut-school/|title=Gunman dead after killing 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
President Obama posthumously honored the six adults with the 2012 ] on February 15, 2013.<ref name="60PLS">{{cite news|title=Obama to honor 6 dead Sandy Hook teachers, administrators with Presidential Citizens Medal|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/02/05/obama-to-honor-6-dead-sandy-hook-teachers-administrators-with-presidential-citizens-medal/?wprss=rss_social-politics-rss&Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=July 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730174300/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/02/05/obama-to-honor-6-dead-sandy-hook-teachers-administrators-with-presidential-citizens-medal/?wprss=rss_social-politics-rss&Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost|url-status=live}}</ref> President Obama said "And then when Dawn Hochsprung, and Mary Sherlach, Vicki Soto, Lauren Rousseau, Rachel D'Avino, Anne Marie Murphy—when they showed up for work at Sandy Hook Elementary on December 14th of last year, they expected a day like any other—doing what was right for their kids; spent a chilly morning readying classrooms and welcoming young students—they had no idea that evil was about to strike. And when it did, they could have taken shelter by themselves. They could have focused on their own safety, on their own wellbeing. But they didn't. They gave their lives to protect the precious children in their care. They gave all they had for the most innocent and helpless among us. And that's what we honor today—the courageous heart, the selfless spirit, the inspiring actions of extraordinary Americans, extraordinary citizens."<ref name="sxZ8c">{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/15/remarks-president-presentation-2012-presidential-citizens-medals|title=Remarks by the President at Presentation of 2012 Presidential Citizens Medals|date=February 15, 2013|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=January 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127110814/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/02/15/remarks-president-presentation-2012-presidential-citizens-medals|via=]|work=]|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Gunman kills 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school">{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/14/at-least-27-dead-in-shooting-at-connecticut-school/|title=Gunman kills 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school|newspaper=Fox News|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<!-- STOP: Please consider discussing before expanding this language. -->] have become social phenomena, despite overwhelming contemporary coverage of the incident.<ref name="7h4xC">{{cite journal|title=Newtown Conspiracy Theories, Debunked|first=Dashiell|last=Bennett|date=December 18, 2012|journal=The Atlantic|url=http://www.thewire.com/national/2012/12/newtown-shooting-conspiracy-theories/60126/|access-date=November 12, 2014|archive-date=November 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112042722/http://www.thewire.com/national/2012/12/newtown-shooting-conspiracy-theories/60126/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Gunman Kills 20 Children at School in Connecticut">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/nyregion/gunman-kills-20-children-at-school-in-connecticut-28-dead-in-all.html?_r=0|title=Gunman Kills 20 Children at School in Connecticutt|last=Barron|first=James|date=December 16, 2012|publisher=The New York Times|work=news article|accessdate=December 15, 2012|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6CwAnt94o |archivedate = December 15, 2012|deadurl=yes}}</ref> | |||
===Gun control=== | |||
<ref name="huffpost1">{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/media-adam-lanza-newtown-connecticut-shooter-ryan-lanza_n_2302864.html|title=Media Initially Identify Adam Lanza, Newtown Shooting Suspect, As Ryan Lanza, His Brother|newspaper=]|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
{{main|Gun control after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting}} | |||
The shooting prompted renewed debate about ], including proposals for making the ] universal, and for new federal and state ] banning the sale and manufacture of certain types of semi-automatic firearms and magazines with more than ten rounds of ammunition.<ref name="9NiVb">* {{cite news |title=Senator Unveils Bill to Limit Semiautomatic Arms |author=Steinhauer, Jennifer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/25/us/politics/senator-unveils-bill-to-limit-semiautomatic-arms.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 24, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2013 |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128000327/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/25/us/politics/senator-unveils-bill-to-limit-semiautomatic-arms.html |url-status=live}} * {{cite news |title=State Police: All 26 Newtown victims shot with assault rifle |author=Vigdor, Neil |url=http://www.ctpost.com/newtownshooting/article/State-Police-All-26-Newtown-victims-shot-with-4222299.php |newspaper=Connecticut Post |date=January 24, 2013 |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=May 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509152855/http://www.ctpost.com/newtownshooting/article/State-Police-All-26-Newtown-victims-shot-with-4222299.php |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Within hours of the shooting, a ] petition was started asking the White House to "immediately address the issue of gun control through the introduction of legislation in Congress",<ref name="Bruce121214">{{cite news |last=Bruce |first=Mary |date=December 14, 2012 |title=Petition Calls on White House to Address Gun Control |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/12/petition-calls-for-white-house-to-address-gun-control/ |type=blog |work=ABC News |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807014722/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/12/petition-calls-for-white-house-to-address-gun-control/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Wing121217">{{cite news |last=Wing |first=Nick |date=December 17, 2012 |title=White House Gun Control Petition Becomes Site's Most Popular Ever |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/white-house-gun-control_n_2317189.html |work=Huffington Post |access-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-date=April 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414081551/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/white-house-gun-control_n_2317189.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and the gun control advocacy group the ] reported that an avalanche of donations in the hours after the shooting caused its website to crash.<ref name="ghTzT">{{cite news |last=New |first=Catherine |date=December 14, 2012 |title=Anti-Gun Donations Surge After Connecticut Shooting |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/anti-gun-donations-surge-connecticut-shooting_n_2303632.html |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714170609/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/anti-gun-donations-surge-connecticut-shooting_n_2303632.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Five days later, President Obama announced that he would make gun control a "central issue" of his second term,<ref name="Shear121220">{{cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |date=December 20, 2012 |title=Obama Vows Fast Action in New Push for Gun Control |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/20/us/politics/obama-to-give-congress-plan-on-gun-control-within-weeks.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=January 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101142327/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/20/us/politics/obama-to-give-congress-plan-on-gun-control-within-weeks.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and he created a gun violence task force, to be headed by Vice President ].<ref name="Caldwell121219">{{cite news |last=Caldwell |first=Leigh Ann |date=December 19, 2012 |title=Obama sets up gun violence task force |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-sets-up-gun-violence-task-force/ |work=CBS News |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=November 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112041819/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57560044/obama-sets-up-gun-violence-task-force/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 16, 2013, Obama signed 23 ]s and proposed 12 congressional actions regarding gun control.<ref name="MFkuU">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=January 16, 2013 |title=Obama announces 23 executive actions, asks Congress to pass gun laws |url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/16/obama-to-announce-gun-control-proposals-shortly/ |work=CNN |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719033224/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/16/obama-to-announce-gun-control-proposals-shortly/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> His proposals included universal background checks on firearms purchases, an assault weapons ban, and a ] limiting capacity to 10 cartridges.<ref name="Obamatranscript">{{cite news |date=January 16, 2013 |title=President Obama's remarks on new gun control actions, Jan. 16, 2013 (Transcript) |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/president-obamas-remarks-on-new-gun-control-proposals-jan-16-2013-transcript/2013/01/16/528e7758-5ffc-11e2-b05a-605528f6b712_story.html |type=transcript |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=January 18, 2013 |archive-date=January 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117090212/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/president-obamas-remarks-on-new-gun-control-proposals-jan-16-2013-transcript/2013/01/16/528e7758-5ffc-11e2-b05a-605528f6b712_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Olivier130116">{{cite news |last=Knox |first=Olivier |date=January 16, 2013 |title=Obama unveils sweeping plan to battle gun violence |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-unveils-sweeping-plan-battle-gun-violence-165956859--politics.html |type=blog |work=Yahoo News |access-date=January 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321075946/http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-unveils-sweeping-plan-battle-gun-violence-165956859--politics.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Hundreds pack Conn. churches after rampage">{{cite news|last=Moore|first=Martha|title=Hundreds pack Conn. churches after rampage|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting-vigil/1770811/|work=USA Today|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On December 21, 2012, the National Rifle Association's ] said gun-free school zones attract killers and that another gun ban would not protect Americans. He called on Congress to appropriate funds to hire armed police officers for every American school and announced that the NRA would create the National School Shield Emergency Response Program to help.<ref name="Sullivan121221">{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Sean |date=December 21, 2012 |title=Put armed guards in every school, NRA leader Wayne LaPierre says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/put-armed-police-officers-in-every-school-nra-head-says/2012/12/21/9ac7d4ae-4b8b-11e2-9a42-d1ce6d0ed278_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=December 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222131334/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/put-armed-police-officers-in-every-school-nra-head-says/2012/12/21/9ac7d4ae-4b8b-11e2-9a42-d1ce6d0ed278_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> After LaPierre's press conference, the Brady Campaign asked for donations to support its gun control advocacy and asked NRA members "who believe like we do, that we are better than this" to join its campaign.<ref name="ConnorIsikoff">{{cite news |last1=Connor |first1=Tracy |last2=Isikoff |first2=Michael |date=December 21, 2012 |title=Disbelief in some quarters after NRA calls for armed guards at every school, blames movies |url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/21/16069016-disbelief-in-some-quarters-after-nra-calls-for-armed-guards-at-every-school-blames-movies |work=NBC News |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=January 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122222013/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/21/16069016-disbelief-in-some-quarters-after-nra-calls-for-armed-guards-at-every-school-blames-movies |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 8, 2013, former Congresswoman ], who was shot and injured in a ], launched the gun control group ], with a specific aim of matching or exceeding the fundraising capabilities of the NRA and similar groups.<ref name="BBC130108">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=January 8, 2013 |title=Gabrielle Giffords launches gun control campaign |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20949405#TWEET509719 |work=BBC |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=September 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925142410/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20949405#TWEET509719 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Hundreds pack Conn. church for vigil after rampage">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57559366/hundreds-pack-conn-church-for-vigil-after-rampage/|title=Hundreds pack Conn. church for vigil after rampage|newspaper=]|agency=]|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On January 16, 2013, New York became the first U.S. state to act after the shooting when it enacted the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act.<ref name="Seiler130116">{{cite news |last=Seiler |first=Casey |date=January 16, 2013 |title=New gun law offers reply to mass killings: State becomes the first in the nation to act after horror of Newtown, Conn. |url=http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/New-gun-law-offers-reply-to-mass-killings-4195504.php |newspaper=Times Union |location=Albany, New York|access-date=April 16, 2014 |archive-date=April 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417083902/http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/New-gun-law-offers-reply-to-mass-killings-4195504.php |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 3, 2013, the ] passed a 139-page<ref name="nydailynews_toughgun_2013" /> major gun-control bill with broad bipartisan support.<ref name="nydailynews_toughgun_2013" /> Governor Malloy signed the bill on the same day.<ref name="courant_Lender_2013">{{cite news |title=Governor Signs Historic Gun Bill |newspaper=Hartford Courant |url=https://www.courant.com/2013/04/04/governor-signs-historic-gun-bill/ |date=April 4, 2013 |first1=Jon |last1=Lender |first2=Daniela |last2=Altimari |first3=Jenny |last3=Wilson |access-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222230849/http://articles.courant.com/2013-04-04/news/hc-gun-vote-connecticut-0404-20130403_1_newtown-massacre-victims-20-first-graders-sweeping-gun-control-bill |url-status=live}}</ref> The bill requires ] (background checks for all firearm purchases)<ref name="JK0VL">{{cite news |last1=Mungin |first1=Lateef |last2=Brady |first2=Brittany |date=April 4, 2013 |title=Connecticut governor signs sweeping gun measure |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/04/us/connecticut-gun-law-overhaul/ |work=CNN |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413132257/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/04/us/connecticut-gun-law-overhaul/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and a high-capacity magazine ban banning the sale or purchase of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition like those used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.<ref name="sm70b">{{cite news |date=April 4, 2013 |title=Connecticut Governor Signs Gun Measures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/nyregion/connecticut-lawmakers-pass-gun-limits.html |newspaper=New York Times |agency=Associated Press |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114004923/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/nyregion/connecticut-lawmakers-pass-gun-limits.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It also created the first registry in the United States for dangerous-weapon offenders, and added over 100 types of guns to the state's ]s ban.<ref name="nydailynews_toughgun_2013">{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/connecticut-governor-signs-tough-gun-law-article-1.1307902 |title=Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signs bill with gun-control laws among the toughest in nation |newspaper=] |date=April 4, 2013 |access-date=October 27, 2013 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029231958/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/connecticut-governor-signs-tough-gun-law-article-1.1307902 |url-status=live}}</ref> Pro-gun groups had rallied outside the Capitol to protest prior to the signing<ref name="nydailynews_toughgun_2013" /> and challenged it in court. Federal judge ] ruled to uphold the law in January 2014.<ref name="kkKHn">{{cite news |last=Pazniokas |first=Mark |date=January 30, 2014 |title=Federal judge upholds Sandy Hook gun law |url=http://ctmirror.org/federal-judge-upholds-sandy-hook-gun-law/ |newspaper=Connecticut Mirror |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413140413/http://ctmirror.org/federal-judge-upholds-sandy-hook-gun-law/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="ID">{{cite news|author=Miguel Llanos|title=Authorities ID gunman who killed 27 in elementary school massacre|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15911025-authorities-id-gunman-who-killed-27-in-elementary-school-massacre?lite|newspaper=]|agency=]|accessdate=December 14, 2012|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On April 4, 2013, Maryland also enacted new restrictions to their existing gun laws.<ref name="NYT130404">{{cite news |date=April 4, 2013 |title=Connecticut Governor Signs Gun Measures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/nyregion/connecticut-lawmakers-pass-gun-limits.html |newspaper=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114004923/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/nyregion/connecticut-lawmakers-pass-gun-limits.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jackson130405">{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Alex |date=April 5, 2013 |title=Maryland lawmakers send landmark gun control bill to O'Malley's desk |url=http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/government/maryland-lawmakers-send-landmark-gun-control-bill-to-o-malley/article_0b697063-acf8-508e-adf9-b07ea4fb6c8d.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407091109/http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/government/maryland-lawmakers-send-landmark-gun-control-bill-to-o-malley/article_0b697063-acf8-508e-adf9-b07ea4fb6c8d.html |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |location=Annapolis, Maryland |work=Capital Gazette |access-date=April 16, 2014}}</ref> However, ten other states passed laws that relaxed gun restrictions.<ref name="Hartmann130404">{{cite magazine |last=Hartmann |first=Margaret |date=April 4, 2013 |title=Post-Newtown, States Passed More Gun-Rights Laws, Not Restrictions |url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/04/post-newtown-states-loosen-gun-restrictions.html |magazine=New York Magazine |access-date=April 15, 2014 |archive-date=April 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416181105/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/04/post-newtown-states-loosen-gun-restrictions.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="identified">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/adam-lanza-an-enigma-who-is-now-identified-as-a-mass-killer.html|newspaper=]|title=A Gunman, Recalled as Intelligent and Shy, Who Left Few Footprints in Life|author=Davide Halbfinger|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
Legislation introduced in the first session of ] included the ]<ref name="CSPAN130124">{{cite AV media |people=Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rev. Gary Hall, Rep. ] |date=January 24, 2013 |title=Assault Weapons Ban Bill |medium=video |url=http://www.c-span.org/video/?310581-1/assault-weapons-ban-bill |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=National Cable Satellite Corporation |access-date=April 13, 2014 |display-authors=etal |archive-date=April 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414123201/http://www.c-span.org/video/?310581-1/assault-weapons-ban-bill |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Freedman130124">{{cite news |last=Freedman |first=Dan |date=January 24, 2013 |title=Feinstein offers new assault weapons ban |url=http://www.chron.com/default/article/Feinstein-offers-new-assault-weapons-ban-4221873.php |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=April 14, 2014 |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101033010/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Feinstein-offers-new-assault-weapons-ban-4221873.php |url-status=live}}</ref> and the Manchin-Toomey Amendment to expand background checks on gun purchases.<ref name="OKeefe-Hamburger">{{cite news |last1=O'Keefe |first1=Ed |last2=Hamburger |first2=Tom |date=April 10, 2013 |title=Key senators reach deal on background checks for gun buyers |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-aides-bipartisan-deal-reached-on-gun-background-checks/2013/04/10/fa4fe9a6-a1db-11e2-be47-b44febada3a8_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708201316/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-aides-bipartisan-deal-reached-on-gun-background-checks/2013/04/10/fa4fe9a6-a1db-11e2-be47-b44febada3a8_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Peterson130410">{{cite news |last=Peterson |first=Kristina |date=April 10, 2013 |title=Senate in Deal on Gun Checks |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324695104578414691696126744 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131141820/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324695104578414691696126744 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both were defeated in the Senate on April 17, 2013.<ref name="Weisman130417">{{cite news |last=Weisman |first=Jonathan |date=April 17, 2013 |title=Senate Blocks Drive for Gun Control |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/us/politics/senate-obama-gun-control.html?pagewanted=all |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=June 16, 2014 |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108135714/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/us/politics/senate-obama-gun-control.html?pagewanted=all |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="KSDK">{{cite news|author=Pete Yost|title=Conn. school shooting: Adam Lanza ID's as shooter|date=December 14, 2012|url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/352246/3/Conn-school-shooting-suspect-is-24-younger-brother-held|newspaper=]|agency=Multimedia KSDK, Inc.|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
===Video games=== | |||
<ref name="Lanza said no to background check, denied gun">{{cite news|url=http://times247.com/articles/lanza-refused-background-checks-denied-guns|title=Lanza said no to background check, denied gun|date=December 15, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Times}}</ref> | |||
A renewed debate about the effects ] have on young people began soon after the shooting, due to news reports suggesting Lanza frequently played violent video games.<ref name="3Orju">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/20/opinion/ferguson-adam-lanza/ |work=CNN |title=Video games didn't cause Newtown rampage |last=Ferguson |first=Christopher J. |date=February 20, 2013 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111230733/http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/20/opinion/ferguson-adam-lanza/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="gYZk7">{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/sandy-hook-blame-game_n_2318334.html |work=Huffington Post |title=Sandy Hook Blame Game: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe |last=Lohr |first=David |date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205100005/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/sandy-hook-blame-game_n_2318334.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="yULSp">{{cite magazine |url=https://ideas.time.com/2012/12/20/sandy-hook-shooting-video-games-blamed-again/ |title=Sandy Hook Shooting: Video Games Blamed, Again |magazine=Time |last=Ferguson |first=Christopher J. |date=December 20, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111231223/http://ideas.time.com/2012/12/20/sandy-hook-shooting-video-games-blamed-again/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Wayne LaPierre publicly blamed video games for the shooting, specifically targeting the free online game ''Kindergarten Killer'', created by Gary Short.<ref name="6Qy4f">{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/nra-blames-video-games-kindergarten-killer-sandy-hook-article-1.1225212 |work=Daily News |location=New York |title=NRA blames video games like 'Kindergarten Killer' for Sandy Hook slaughter |last=Beekman |first=Daniel |date=December 21, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111233319/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/nra-blames-video-games-kindergarten-killer-sandy-hook-article-1.1225212 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Police found numerous<ref name="BZ5m7">The November 2013 final report names the following video game series as having entries in Lanza's larger overall collection: '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.</ref> video games in the basement of Adam Lanza's home, which was used as a gaming area. The final report into the shooting by the State Attorney, published in November 2013, noted that " played video games often, both solo at home and online. They could be described as both violent and non-violent. One person described the shooter as spending the majority of his time playing non-violent video games, with his favorite at one point being '']''"<ref name="cnn.com">{{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Christopher |title=Adam Lanza's motive a mystery in Sandy Hook killings |url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/ferguson-sandy-hook/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=July 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127185647/https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/ferguson-sandy-hook/index.html |archive-date=November 27, 2013 |language=English |date=November 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7 (06:22 PM ET)">{{cite web|title= Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7 (06:22 PM ET)|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/15/children-and-adults-gunned-down-in-connecticut-school-massacre/|publisher=CNN|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The report described his liking for '']'', which he played frequently for long stretches of time at a movie theater in ] which had a commercial version of the game, and also owned a console version of at home.<ref name="final_report" /> ''Dance Dance Revolution'' is a non-violent exercising game where "the user is required to move their feet rhythmically in response to video cues".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Howitt |first1=Dan |title=Sandy Hook Elementary |date=May 31, 2022 |isbn=978-0-692-53889-0 |page=309 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n4hsEAAAQBAJ |access-date=July 17, 2024}}</ref> According to the Report by the Office of the Child Advocate, Lanza would play the game for hours on end using it as a distraction from his inner turmoil. The report said "he would whip himself into a frenzy, a behavior consistent, possibly, with a need to contain anxiety-producing impulses and thoughts. There were days when he would not do anything else but ''Dance Dance Revolution''."<ref name="Nwm7N"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p 98</ref> | |||
<ref name="Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7">{{cite news|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/15/children-and-adults-gunned-down-in-connecticut-school-massacre/?hpt=hp_t1|title=Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7|newspaper=CNN|date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
The final report by the State Attorney did not make a link between video games and the motive for the shooting.<ref name="final_report">{{cite web|date=November 25, 2013|title=Sandy Hook Final Report. Office of the State's Attorney, Judicial District of Danbury. Stephen J. Sedensky III, State's Attorney|url=http://www.ct.gov/csao/lib/csao/Sandy_Hook_Final_Report.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125212413/http://www.ct.gov/csao/lib/csao/Sandy_Hook_Final_Report.pdf|archive-date=November 25, 2013|access-date=November 28, 2013|work=ct.gov}}</ref><ref name="cnn.com">{{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Christopher |title=Adam Lanza's motive a mystery in Sandy Hook killings |url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/ferguson-sandy-hook/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=July 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127185647/https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/ferguson-sandy-hook/index.html |archive-date=November 27, 2013 |language=English |date=November 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Report of the Child Advocate said "video game and internet addiction appear to be 'highly comorbid with several other psychiatric disorders' including ], ], and ] challenges".<ref name="YgRlK"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126233253/http://www.ct.gov/oca/lib/oca/sandyhook11212014.pdf |date=November 26, 2014}}, p.101.</ref> | |||
<ref name="NBC News Dec 14">{{cite web|title=Elementary school massacre: 27 dead, including 20 kids, in Connecticut|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15907407-elementary-school-massacre-27-dead-including-20-kids-in-connecticut?lite>1=43001|publisher=NBC News|accessdate=December 14, 2012|author=Pete Williams|coauthors=Miguel Llanos and Tracy Connor|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
== Legacy == | |||
<ref name="nbcusnews">{{cite news|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15913678-gunmans-mother-owned-weapons-used-in-connecticut-school-massacre|title=Gunman's mother owned weapons used in Connecticut school massacre|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012|newspaper=NBC News|author=Pete Williams and Kari Huus}}</ref> | |||
Many organizations were created due to the massacre that work to promote an end to school shootings, with some, such as ], ], and Safe and Sound Schools organized and led by parents of victims, while others, such as ], were created by outsiders outraged by the shooting.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bonner|first=Jeanne|date=December 14, 2021|title=26 playgrounds honor the students and the teachers killed at Sandy Hook|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/14/us/sandy-hook-anniversary-families-playgrounds/index.html|access-date=December 28, 2021|website=CNN|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614233311/https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/14/us/sandy-hook-anniversary-families-playgrounds/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Effect on the community=== | |||
<ref name="NewsDay">{{cite news|author=Zachary R. Dowdy|title=Sandy Hook Elementary bus driver recalls Adam Lanza, his family|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/sandy-hook-elementary-bus-driver-recalls-adam-lanza-his-family-1.4335428|accessdate=December 14, 2012|newspaper=]|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
====2014==== | |||
<ref name="newsday1">{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/sandy-hook-educators-died-trying-to-save-the-children-1.4338161|title=TSandy Hook educators died trying to save the children|publisher= Newsday}}</ref> | |||
In March 2014, the Newtown city officials announced the design for the new Sandy Hook Elementary School.<ref name="2014TimeNewSchool">{{cite magazine|last=Nicks|first=Denver|title=Sandy Hook Heals With New School Design After Shooting|url=https://time.com/33444/sandy-hook-shooting-newtown-connecticut-school-design/|magazine=Time|access-date=April 3, 2014|archive-date=April 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403030850/http://time.com/33444/sandy-hook-shooting-newtown-connecticut-school-design/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2014HouseTornDown" /> The only remnant of the original school would be its flagpole.<ref name="2014TimeNewSchool" /> | |||
A few days later, the ] released results of a survey with over 1,600 respondents. Among other inquiries, the survey asked residents what should be done with the balance of the $11 million in donations that had been received since the incident in 2012.<ref name="2014HouseTornDown">{{cite news|last=Collins|first=Dave|title=Newtown residents want gunman's house torn down|url=https://news.yahoo.com/newtown-residents-want-gunmans-house-torn-down-104023565.html|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! News|access-date=April 3, 2014|archive-date=April 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404095003/http://news.yahoo.com/newtown-residents-want-gunmans-house-torn-down-104023565.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The majority of responses said that money for mental health counseling and other family expenses should be the top priorities. A few responses suggested that some of the money should be used to purchase and tear down the shooter's family home in order to replace it with a park or wildlife sanctuary.<ref name="2014HouseTornDown" /> Jennifer Barahona, the foundation's executive director, was quoted as saying, "That's not something we're considering at this time. It's really outside of our scope."<ref name="2014HouseTornDown" /> | |||
<ref name="Newtown gunman had 'altercation' with school staff day before massacre">{{cite web|title=Newtown gunman had 'altercation' with school staff day before massacre|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/15/15926718-newtown-gunman-had-altercation-with-school-staff-day-before-massacre?lite|publisher=NBC News|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On October 21, building site preparation work began on the new Sandy Hook Elementary School;<ref name="2014NewSchool">{{cite news|title=Site Work Begins For Construction Of New Sandy Hook School|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10/22/site-work-begins-for-construction-of-new-sandy-hook-school/|access-date=December 20, 2014|agency=CBS New York|date=October 22, 2014|archive-date=December 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221011628/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10/22/site-work-begins-for-construction-of-new-sandy-hook-school/|url-status=live}}</ref> project updates and progress were posted on a dedicated website.<ref name="2016website">{{cite web|title=The New Sandy Hook School|url=http://www.sandyhook2016.com:80/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101011855/http://www.sandyhook2016.com/|archive-date=November 1, 2017|website=Svigals + Partners|access-date=November 15, 2018}}</ref> Citing security and privacy reasons and out of respect for the families of victims, no ] was held.<ref name="2014NewSchool" /> Construction was scheduled to begin in March 2015 with the school expected to open by December 2016.<ref name="JDdBe">{{cite news|title=Demolition Of Old Sandy Hook Elementary Will Be Kept Private Contractors Ordered To Sign Confidentiality Agreements During Process|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/10/15/demolition-of-old-sandy-hook-elementary-will-be-kept-private/|access-date=December 20, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=CBS New York|date=October 15, 2013|archive-date=December 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221003246/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/10/15/demolition-of-old-sandy-hook-elementary-will-be-kept-private/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Newtown school massacre victims identified">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20744701|title=Newtown school massacre victims identified|publisher=BBC News|date=December 16, 2012|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
In December, it was announced that the town of Newtown will acquire the property and home of Nancy Lanza at no cost.<ref name="2014LanzaHouse">{{cite news|last1=Altimari|first1=Dave|title=Newtown Acquires Lanza House|url=http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-newtown-adam-lanza-house-20141203-story.html|access-date=December 20, 2014|work=Hartford Courant|date=December 4, 2014|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131141839/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-newtown-adam-lanza-house-20141203-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The property at 36 Yogananda St. was part of the Lanza estate, to which surviving son Ryan Lanza is the sole heir. Lanza's attorney, Kenneth Gruder, arranged for the transfer through a series of transactions so that probate records would not show the city acquiring the property from the Lanza family. Gruder said the notoriety of the home had made it essentially unsalable.<ref name="2014LanzaHouse" /> The home was demolished in March 2015.<ref name="2015HouseTornDown">{{cite news|last=Katersky|first=Aaron|title=School Shooter Adam Lanza's Newtown House Is Demolished|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/school-shooter-adam-lanzas-newtown-house-demolished/story?id=29877154|agency=ABC News|work=ABC News|date=March 24, 2015|access-date=June 6, 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403210739/https://abcnews.go.com/US/school-shooter-adam-lanzas-newtown-house-demolished/story?id=29877154|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Newtown school shooting: Sandy Hook School">{{cite web|title=Newtown school shooting: Sandy Hook Elementary|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/liveblog/wp/2012/12/14/newtown-school-shooting-sandy-hook-elementary/?897098?wpisrc=al_national|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
====2015==== | |||
<ref name="notcustody"> '']''</ref> | |||
On January 21, 2015, Newtown Legislative Council voted unanimously to demolish the house where Nancy and Adam Lanza lived, and to keep the land as open space.<ref name="xFcFN">{{cite news|first=Lindsey|last=Bever|title=Newtown votes to raze home of mass murderer Adam Lanza|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/01/22/newtown-votes-to-raze-home-of-mass-murderer-adam-lanza/|access-date=January 22, 2015|newspaper=]|date=January 22, 2015|archive-date=January 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122214506/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/01/22/newtown-votes-to-raze-home-of-mass-murderer-adam-lanza/|url-status=live}}</ref> The demolition was completed on March 24, 2015.<ref name="8EsQL">{{cite news|first=Aaron|last=Katersky|title=School Shooter Adam Lanza's Newtown House is Demolished|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/school-shooter-adam-lanzas-newtown-house-demolished/story?id=29877154|access-date=March 24, 2015|work=ABC News|date=March 24, 2015|archive-date=March 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325033135/http://abcnews.go.com/US/school-shooter-adam-lanzas-newtown-house-demolished/story?id=29877154|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In February 2015, the family of one of the victims, Victoria Soto, applied for ] protection for her name. The reason for this was to help prevent others from misusing Soto's name on social media and for the benefit of the memorial fund set up in her name. The victim's sister, Jillian, said fake social media accounts existed using her sister's name to promote conspiracy theories about the shooting.<ref name="2015SotoTrademark">{{cite news|title=Sandy Hook victim Victoria Soto to have name trademarked to prevent abuse|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/11/sandy-hook-victim-victoria-soto-to-have-name-trademarked-to-prevent-abuse|access-date=May 12, 2015|agency=Associated Press|work=]|date=February 11, 2015|archive-date=May 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507064330/http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/11/sandy-hook-victim-victoria-soto-to-have-name-trademarked-to-prevent-abuse|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="nraila">{{cite web|url=http://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-laws/connecticut.aspx|title=Connecticut|publisher=]|date=August 22, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
====2016==== | |||
<ref name="NYDailyNews">{{cite news|author=Matthew Lysiak, Denis Slattery, Rich Schapiro|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/adam-lanza-20-deeply-disturbed-kid-article-1.1220752|title=Sandy Hook mass murderer Adam Lanza, 20, 'deeply disturbed kid'|work=]|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
In July 2016, the new Sandy Hook Elementary School was unveiled and parents were shown around the building. The design of the new school incorporates numerous security features, including bulletproof glass exteriors, fencing around the perimeter of the building, and fortified safe rooms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/12/20/opinion/new-sandy-hook-school-offers-lesson-safety/|title=The new Sandy Hook school offers lesson on safety – The Boston Globe|website=BostonGlobe.com|access-date=December 28, 2023|archive-date=June 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614233432/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/12/20/opinion/new-sandy-hook-school-offers-lesson-safety/|url-status=live}}</ref> The new school is on the site of the building where the shooting took place, which was demolished and rebuilt with a state grant of around $50 million.<ref name="new_school">{{cite news|last=Furfaro|first=Hannah|title=For Sandy Hook, a New Start|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/for-sandy-hook-a-new-start-1469839641|access-date=July 30, 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=July 29, 2016|archive-date=July 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731034315/http://www.wsj.com/articles/for-sandy-hook-a-new-start-1469839641|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==== 2019 ==== | |||
<ref name="nydailynews">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/conn-gunman-learned-shoot-mom-article-1.1220893|title= Newtown, Conn. shooting: Sandy Hook elementary school gunman Adam Lanza learned to shoot from his gun-collecting mom|author1=Matthew Lysiak |author2= Dennis Slattery |author3=Corky Siemaszko| work=Daily News|location=New York|accessdate=December 15, 2012|date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
In March 2019, Jeremy Richman, the father of victim Avielle Richman, was found dead of an apparent suicide. His wife said that he "succumbed to the grief that he could not escape."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Emily |date=March 29, 2019 |title=After Sandy Hook dad's apparent suicide, wife says he 'succumbed to the grief that he could not escape' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/sandy-hook-dads-apparent-suicide-wife-succumbed-grief/story?id=62011198 |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==== 2024 ==== | |||
<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|title=27 Killed in Connecticut Shooting, Including 20 Children|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school.html?|publisher=The New York Times|author=Joseph Goldstein and William Rashbaum|accessdate=December 14, 2012|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
On June 12, 2024, around 60 students who had survived the shooting graduated from ]. At a ceremony to mark the event, Principal Kimberly Longobucco read out the names of those who died, followed by a moment of silence.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kaye |first1=Randi |last2=Clifford |first2=Anne |last3=Clarke |first3=Rachel |date=June 12, 2024 |title='It's going to be heartbreaking:' Sandy Hook survivors get ready to graduate high school without the classmates they lost in 1st grade massacre |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/12/us/sandy-hook-survivors-graduate-high-school/index.html |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613145615/https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/12/us/sandy-hook-survivors-graduate-high-school/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2024 |title=Sandy Hook shooting survivors take part in emotional high school grad ceremony |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/sandy-hook-students-graduation-1.7233611 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=CBC |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613142614/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/sandy-hook-students-graduation-1.7233611 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
== Memorial == | |||
<ref name="nytimes"> nytimes.com. Retrieved December 15, 2012.</ref> | |||
] | |||
{{Main|Sandy Hook Memorial}} | |||
In 2013, the Newtown ] appointed the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Jim |title=Construction To Begin At Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial August 23 |url=https://www.newtownbee.com/08122021/construction-to-begin-at-sandy-hook-permanent-memorial-august-23/ |access-date=November 17, 2022 |website=www.newtownbee.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117235404/https://www.newtownbee.com/08122021/construction-to-begin-at-sandy-hook-permanent-memorial-august-23/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Out of 189 design submissions, the commission chose a design created by Dan Affleck and Ben Waldo of SWA Group. $3.7 million to construct the memorial was narrowly approved by Newtown voters in April 2021, and site work began in August 2021.<ref name=":02"/> Construction was completed in August 2022. The memorial opened to the public on November 13, 2022, after a private ceremony with the victims' families.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2022 |title=The sound of children playing told Newtown officials they had found a Sandy Hook memorial site |url=https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2022-11-17/the-sound-of-children-playing-told-newtown-officials-they-had-found-a-sand-hook-memorial-site |access-date=November 18, 2022 |website=Connecticut Public |language=en |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118004239/https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2022-11-17/the-sound-of-children-playing-told-newtown-officials-they-had-found-a-sand-hook-memorial-site |url-status=live }}</ref> It features a stone basin engraved with the names of the victims, with a young ] tree at its center. A memorial mass is held every year at ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Layne |first=Nathan |date=December 15, 2022 |title='We choose love': Ten years after Sandy Hook shooting, town reflects on loss |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ten-years-after-sandy-hook-shooting-connecticut-town-spends-day-reflection-2022-12-14/ |access-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215201419/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ten-years-after-sandy-hook-shooting-connecticut-town-spends-day-reflection-2022-12-14/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
<ref name="nytimes1">http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/16/nyregion/gunman-kills-20-children-at-school-in-connecticut-28-dead-in-all.html</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* {{Section link|List of school massacres by death toll|Rampage killers}} | |||
* ], a school stabbing on the same day which drew comparisons between the two attacks | |||
{{Portal bar|Connecticut|Schools|United States}} | |||
<ref name="nytimes2"> nytimes.com. Retrieved December 15, 2012.</ref> | |||
==References== | |||
<ref name="nytimesForcedEntry">, ''The New York Times'', December 15, 2012 {{dead link|date=December 2012}}</ref> | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
<ref name="NYTimesShyIntelligent">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/nyregion/adam-lanza-an-enigma-who-is-now-identified-as-a-mass-killer.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0&pagewanted=all|title=A Gunman, Recalled as Intelligent and Shy, Who Left Few Footprints in Life|author=David M. Halbfinger|date=December 14, 2012|work=New York Times|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Obama On Connecticut Shooting: We Need 'Meaningful Action'">{{cite news|author=Sabrina Siddiqui and Elise Foley |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/obama-connecticut-shooting_n_2303017.html |title=Obama On Connecticut Shooting: We Need 'Meaningful Action' |newspaper=Huffington Post |date=December 14, 2012 |accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Peter Lanza Statement: Father Of Adam Lanza Says, 'We Too Are Asking Why'">{{cite news|title=Peter Lanza Statement: Father Of Adam Lanza Says, 'We Too Are Asking Why'|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/15/peter-lanza-statement-adam-lanza_n_2308744.html|accessdate=December 16, 2012|newspaper=huffingtonpost.com|date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Police: 20 children among 27 victims of Connecticut school shooting">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/14/us/connecticut-school-shooting/index.html|title='Why? Why?': 26 dead in elementary school massacre|newspaper=]|author1= Susan Candiotti|author2=Chelsea J. Carter|date=December 15, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="President Obama To Visit Newtown Sunday">{{cite web|title=President Obama To Visit Newtown Sunday|url=http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-obama-newtown-shooting-20121215,0,611830.story|publisher=The Courant|accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="sacrificed">{{cite news|last=Rayment|first=Sean|title=Teachers sacrificed themselves to save their pupils|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9746935/Teachers-sacrificed-themselves-to-save-their-pupils.html|accessdate=December 15, 2012|newspaper=]|date=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="satpressconf"> ''Raycom News Network''</ref> | |||
<ref name="Statement by the President on the School Shooting in Newtown, CT">{{cite web|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/12/14/president-obama-makes-statement-shooting-newtown-connecticut |title=Statement by the President on the School Shooting in Newtown, CT |editor=White House |date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Tales of Sandy Hook heroism, young and old">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/14/newtown-connecticut-sandy-hook-school-shooting-heroism/1770555/|title=Tales of Sandy Hook heroism, young and old|publisher=USA Today}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Telegraph-Evil">{{cite news|title=Connecticut school shooting: 'Evil has visited this community'|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northameric/usa/9746966/Connecticut-school-shooting-Evil-has-visited-this-community.html|accessdate=December 16, 2012|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Tragedy at an Elementary School">{{cite news|journal=News12 Long Island|date=December 15, 2012|title=Tragedgy at an Elementary School|publisher=Cablevision}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Turner">{{cite news|title=Children and adults gunned down in Connecticut school massacre|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/14/shooting-reported-at-connecticut-elementary-school/|date=December 14, 2012|newspaper=CNN|agency=Turner Broadcasting Company|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="washingtonpost"></ref> | |||
<ref name="WashingtonPost">{{cite news|title=Official with knowledge of Conn. school shooting: 27 dead, including 18 children|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/state-police-respond-to-report-of-school-shooting-in-newtown-conn-lockdown-in-place/2012/12/14/df59a9aa-4602-11e2-8c8f-fbebf7ccab4e_story.html|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Washington Post|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Whitehouse">{{cite web|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/14/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-shooting-newtown-connecticut?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl|publisher=White House Press Office|title=Presidential Proclamation – Honoring the Victims of the Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="wsj"> ''The Wall Street Journal''</ref> | |||
<ref name="wsj5"> ''Wall Street Journal''</ref> | |||
<ref name="wsj5">{{cite news|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2012/12/14/newtown-school-therapist-principal-didnt-think-twice-about-helping/|title=Newtown School Therapist: Principal ‘Didn’t Think Twice’ About Helping|publisher=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="wtvr">{{cite news|url=http://wtvr.com/2012/12/14/timeline-of-connecticut-elementary-school-shooting/|title=TIMELINE: Connecticut elementary school shooting updates|newspaper=]|author=Alix Bryan|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="reuters chalk hill">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/16/us-usa-shooting-connecticut-school-idUSBRE8BF0B520121216 | title=Connecticut survivors to attend school in neighboring town | work=Reuters | date=December 16, 2012 | accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="newstimes chalk hill">{{cite news | url=http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Sandy-Hook-students-to-move-to-Monroe-school-4122271.php | title=Sandy Hook students to move to Monroe school | work=NewsTimes | date=December 16, 2012 | accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Philly">{{cite news|url=http://www.phillyburbs.com/ap/national/ap-source-conn-shooter-ryan-lanza-s-mom-worked-at/article_df1fba83-1927-5d5a-99c9-262bd499cad4.html|agency=Associated Press|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012|title=AP Source: Conn. shooter is Ryan Lanza's younger brother Adam Lanza|newspaper=phillyBurbs.com}}</ref> | |||
|30em}} | |||
<!-- | |||
<ref name="cbcWinnipeg">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2012/12/14/mb-jimmy-greene-conneticut-school-shooting.html |publisher= |title=Connecticut school shooting victim lived in Winnipeg: reports|accessdate=December 14, 2012|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="cumberlink"> ''The Sentinel''</ref> | |||
<ref name="npr"> ''Associated Press''</ref> | |||
<ref name="cnn">Candiotti, Susan & Yan, Holly. December 16, 2012. . ''CNN.'' "Carver, who performed autopsies on seven of the victims, said the wounds he knew about were caused by a "long weapon" and that the rifle was the primary weapon used." Retrieved: December 16, 2012.</ref> | |||
<ref name="jsonline">, ''Journal Sentinel''</ref> | |||
<ref name="loscerritosnews">[http://www.loscerritosnews.net/2012/12/14/rep-grace-napolitano-calls-for-congressional-conversation-on-mental-health-gun-safety-in-wake-of-newtown-killings/ "Rep. Grace Napolitano calls for ‘Congressional Conversation’ on Mental Health, Gun Safety In Wake of Newtown Killings" ''Los Cerritos News''</ref> | |||
<ref name="poynter">, ''Poynter''</ref> | |||
<ref name="tamiu">Furguson, C.J. ''et al.'' (2011) ''Journal of Police Crisis Negotiations,'' '''11''':1–17</ref> | |||
<ref name="treatmentadvocacycenter">Torrey, E.F. ''et al.'' (2010) , (Arlington, Virginia: U.S. National Sheriffs’ Association and the Treatment Advocacy Center)</ref> | |||
<ref name="jsonline2">, ''Journal Sentinel''</ref> | |||
<ref name="jsonline3">, ''Journal Sentinel''</ref> | |||
<ref name="jsonline4">, ''Journal Sentinel''</ref> | |||
<ref name="Tearful, shocked and angry, Americans finally target control of guns">{{cite news| | last = Harris | first = Paul | title = Tearful, shocked and angry, Americans finally target control of guns | pages = 4–5 | newspaper = The Observer | location = London | date = december 16, 2012 | url =http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/15/newtown-school-shootings-gun-control | archiveurl = | archivedate =}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="dailymail">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2248327/Ryan-Lanza-Moment-brother-Adam-Lanza-saw-CNN-mistakenly-report-Sandy-Hook-shooter.html |title=Ryan Lanza: Moment brother of Adam Lanza saw CNN mistakenly report that he was the Sandy Hook shooter | Mail Online |publisher=Dailymail.co.uk |date= |accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="wsj4"> ''Wall Street Journal''</ref> | |||
<ref name="time"> ''Time Magazine''</ref> | |||
<ref name="26 killed in Connecticut school shooting">{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4319944,00.html |title=26 killed in Connecticut school shooting |date=December 14, 2012 |accessdate=December 15, 2012 |newspaper=YNet News}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="27 dead including 20 children, gunman in Newtown shooting">{{cite news|url=http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/27-dead-including-20-children-gunman-in-Newtown-4118505.php|title=27 dead including 20 children, gunman in Newtown shooting|newspaper=]|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012|quote=Hochsprung is being credited with helping to save others by activating the school's public address system during the initial flurry of bullets, according to a law enforcement source.}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="abcnews"> ''ABC News''</ref> | |||
<ref name="americanlivewire"> americanlivewire.com (December 14, 2012).</ref> | |||
<ref name="autogenerated1"> nytimes.com. Retrieved December 15, 2012. {{dead link|date=December 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="autogenerated2"> courant.com. Retrieved December 15, 2012.</ref> | |||
<ref name="autogenerated3"> ''Washington Post'' {{WebCite|url=http://www.webcitation.org/6CvFvOIAI|date =December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite web|author=Dan Burns and Chris Kaufman |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/14/us-connecticut-towns-idUSBRE8BD0U120121214 |title=Connecticut gun rampage: 28 dead, including 20 schoolchildren |publisher=Reuters |date=December 14, 2012 |accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Bloomberg On CT Shooting: Calling For Meaningful Action Is Not Enough">{{cite news|url=http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/bloomberg-on-ct-shooting-calling-for-meaningful-action|title=Bloomberg On CT Shooting: Calling For Meaningful Action Is Not Enough|author=David Taintor |date=December 14, 2012|publisher=]|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Brady State Scorecard Connecticut">{{cite web|title=Brady State Scorecard Connecticut|url=http://www.bradycampaign.org/stategunlaws/scorecard/CT|publisher=]|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="cbsnews223">{{cite web|title=Conn. school shooting: What we know|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57559336/conn-school-shooting-what-we-know|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="china-xian"></ref> | |||
<ref name="eagletribune">{{cite web|url=http://www.eagletribune.com/breakingnews/x1839367233/Connecticut-school-killer-had-ties-to-Haverhill-Kingston |title=Third Update: Connecticut school killer had ties to Haverhill, Kingston; Father questioned » Breaking news » EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA |publisher=Eagletribune.com |date= |accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> Author listed as "Staff Reports" | |||
<ref name="Emotional Obama Calls for 'Meaningful Action' After Newtown Shooting">{{cite news|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/12/emotional-obama-calls-for-meaningful-action-after-newtown-shooting/266303/|title=Emotional Obama Calls for 'Meaningful Action' After Newtown Shooting|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012|author=Jim O'Sullivan|newspaper=The Atlantic}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Father's anguish after losing his son in Connecticut shooting">{{cite web|title=Father's anguish after losing his son in Connecticut shooting|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/father_anguish_jdXaaYbN4MG2AqPjzE5pBM|work=New York Post|accessdate=December 15, 2012|last=MacLeod|first=Dan}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="foxnews"> {{WebCite|url=http://www.webcitation.org/6CvNnl835|date =December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="generated"></ref> | |||
<ref name="globalgrind">http://globalgrind.com/news/sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting-dawn-hochsprung-adam-lanza-photos</ref> | |||
<ref name="miamiherald">Charles Hutzler The Miami Herald (December 15, 2012).</ref> | |||
<ref name="Nation">, ''New York Times'', December 15, 2012</ref> | |||
<ref name="NBC News">{{cite news|title=Elementary School Massacre|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/14/15907407-elementary-school-massacre-26-dead-including-18-kids-in-connecticut?lite|accessdate=December 14, 2012|newspaper=]|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Obama: 'Our hearts are broken' for families of Connecticut shooting victims">{{cite news|author= |url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/12/14/obama-briefed-on-connecticut-shooting/ |title=Obama: 'Our hearts are broken' for families of Connecticut shooting victims |newspaper=Fox News |date=December 14, 2012 |accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Peña Nieto y Mancera envían sus condolencias a Obama por tiroteo">{{cite news|title=Peña Nieto y Mancera envían sus condolencias a Obama por tiroteo|url=http://www.excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=nota&seccion=global&cat=21&id_nota=874980|accessdate=December 15, 2012|newspaper=]|date=December 15, 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6CvSFEm6i|archivedate=December 15, 2012|language=Spanish}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Ryan Lanza Facebook Mistake: Wrong Lanza Hounded as Newtown Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Details Emerge">{{cite news|url=http://global.christianpost.com/news/ryan-lanza-facebook-mistake-wrong-lanza-hounded-as-newtown-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting-details-emerge-86676/|title=Ryan Lanza Facebook Mistake: Wrong Lanza Hounded as Newtown Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Details Emerge|author=Jon Campbell|work=Christian Post|date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="seattlepi">, '']'', December 14, 2012 {{WebCite|url=http://www.webcitation.org/6Cv3x1cPY|date =December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Slain Connecticut principal just implemented new security measures">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/14/us/connecticut-shooting-school-principal/index.html|title=Slain Connecticut principal just implemented new security measures|author=Michael Martinez|newspaper=CNN|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="sueddeutsche">, '']'', December 15, 2012 {{de icon}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="techclub">{{cite web|url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2248782/High-school-tech-club-student-turned-cold-blooded-executioner-How-classmates-remember-genius-Adam-Lanza.html|title=How 'ticking time bomb' Adam Lanza went from 'genius' tech geek who grew up in a $1.6million home to heartless killer}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="The Age">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/world/tearful-obama-mourns-beautiful-kids-20121215-2bfwd.html|title=Tearful Obama mourns 'beautiful kids'|work=The Age|date=December 15, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Timeline Photos">{{cite news|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=8502512&l=c9ed83e7bf&id=196449443716761|title=Timeline Photos|author=Mead Treadwell|date=December 14, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012|agency=Facebook}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="twitter">{{cite web|title=Twitter / AndreaMcCarren|url=https://twitter.com/AndreaMcCarren/status/279991812054216704|publisher=Andrea McCarren|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="upi"></ref> | |||
<ref name="USA Today">{{cite web|author=Susan Davis|date=December 14, 2012|title=Congress reacts to Connecticut school shooting|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/14/congress-reaction-school-shooting/1770077/|publisher=]|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Wired">{{cite web|url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/newtown-shooter-facebook/|title=Internet Identifies, Threatens Wrong Man as Newtown Shooter|author=Spencer Ackerman|date=December 14, 2012|work=Wired Magazine|accessdate=December 14, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="zeit">, '']'', December 15, 2012 {{de icon}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="CNN">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/12/us/sandy-hook-timeline/?hpt=hp_c2/ |title=Sandy Hook shooting: What happened? |publisher=CNN |date= |accessdate=December 16, 2012}}</ref> | |||
<ref name="Puerto Rican family">{{cite news|url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/tragediaenconnecticuttocafamiliaboricua-1408206.html|title=Tragedy in Connecticut touches Puerto Rican family|author=Osman Perez Mendez|newspaper=El Nuevo Dia|date=December 15, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> | |||
--> | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{ |
{{Commons category|Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting}} | ||
* {{Wikiquote-inline}} | |||
* () | |||
* | |||
* (via Wayback Machine) | |||
{{Newtown, Connecticut}} | |||
{{School killings in the United States}} | |||
{{ |
{{School shootings in the United States}} | ||
{{ |
{{Mass shootings in the United States by deaths}} | ||
{{Mass shootings in the United States in the 2010s}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | |||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 07:07, 8 January 2025
2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, U.S.
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting | |
---|---|
Police at the scene of the shooting | |
Location of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut | |
Location | Sandy Hook Elementary School, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, U.S. |
Date | December 14, 2012; 12 years ago (December 14, 2012) c. 9:35 – c. 9:40 a.m. EST (UTC−05:00) |
Target | Students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School |
Attack type | |
Weapons |
|
Deaths | 28 (27 at the school, including the perpetrator; and the perpetrator's mother at home) |
Injured | 2 |
Perpetrator | Adam Lanza |
Motive | Inconclusive |
Litigation | Wrongful death lawsuit against Remington Arms settled for $73 million |
On December 14, 2012, a mass shooting occurred at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, United States. The perpetrator, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, shot and killed 26 people. The victims were 20 children between six and seven years old, and 6 adult staff members. Earlier that day, before driving to the school, Lanza fatally shot his mother at their Newtown home. As first responders arrived at the school, Lanza killed himself with a gunshot to the head.
The incident is the deadliest mass shooting in Connecticut history and the deadliest at an elementary school in U.S. history. The shooting prompted renewed debate about gun control in the United States, including proposals to make the background check system universal, and for new federal and state gun legislation banning the sale and manufacture of certain types of semi-automatic firearms and magazines which can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition.
A November 2013 report issued by the Connecticut State Attorney's office stated that Lanza acted alone and planned his actions, but provided no indication of why he did so, or why he targeted the school. A report issued by the Office of the Child Advocate in November 2014 said that Lanza had Asperger's syndrome and, as a teenager, suffered from depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but concluded that these factors "neither caused nor led to his murderous acts". The report went on to say, "his severe and deteriorating internalized mental health problems combined with an atypical preoccupation with violence (and) access to deadly weapons proved a recipe for mass murder."
Background
As of November 30, 2012, 456 children were enrolled in kindergarten through fourth grade at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The school's security protocols had recently been upgraded, requiring visitors to be individually admitted after visual and identification review by video monitor. Doors to the school were locked at 9:30 a.m. each day, after morning arrivals.
Newtown is in Fairfield County, Connecticut, about 17 miles (30 km) from New Haven, 30 miles (50 km) from Hartford, and 60 miles (100 km) from New York City. Violent crime had been rare in the town of 28,000 residents; there was only one homicide in the town in the ten years before the school shooting.
Under the Connecticut gun laws at the time, the 20-year-old Lanza was old enough to carry a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun, but too young to own or carry handguns. The guns he used had been purchased legally by his mother.
Events
List of deathsKilled:Sources:
- Perpetrator's mother:
- Nancy Lanza, 52 (shot at home)
- School personnel:
- Rachel D'Avino, 29, behavior therapist
- Dawn Hochsprung, 47, principal
- Anne Marie Murphy, 52, special education teacher
- Lauren Rousseau, 30, teacher
- Mary Sherlach, 56, school psychologist
- Victoria Leigh Soto, 27, teacher
- Students:
- Charlotte Bacon, 6
- Daniel Barden, 7
- Olivia Engel, 6
- Josephine Gay, 7
- Dylan Hockley, 6
- Madeleine Hsu, 6
- Catherine Hubbard, 6
- Chase Kowalski, 7
- Jesse Lewis, 6
- Ana Márquez-Greene, 6
- James Mattioli, 6
- Grace McDonnell, 7
- Emilie Parker, 6
- Jack Pinto, 6
- Noah Pozner, 6
- Caroline Previdi, 6
- Jessica Rekos, 6
- Avielle Richman, 6
- Benjamin Wheeler, 6
- Allison Wyatt, 6
- Perpetrator:
- Adam Lanza, 20 (suicide)
Wounded:
- Natalie Hammond, 40, lead teacher
- Deborah Pisani
Murder of Nancy Lanza
Sometime before 9:30 a.m. EST on December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza shot and killed his mother Nancy Lanza, aged 52, with a .22-caliber Savage Mark II rifle at their Newtown home. Investigators later found her body in her bed, clad in pajamas, with four gunshot wounds to her head. Lanza then drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School in his mother's car.
Mass shooting begins
Shortly after 9:35 a.m., armed with his mother's Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle and ten magazines with 30 rounds each, Lanza shot his way through a glass panel next to the school's locked front entrance doors. He was wearing black clothing, yellow earplugs, sunglasses, a black hat, and an olive green utility vest. Initial reports that he was wearing body armor were incorrect. Some of those present heard the initial shots on the school intercom system, which was being used for morning announcements.
Principal Dawn Hochsprung and school psychologist Mary Sherlach were meeting with other faculty members when they heard, but did not recognize, gunshots. Hochsprung, Sherlach, and lead teacher Natalie Hammond went into the hall to determine the source of the sounds and encountered Lanza. A faculty member who was at the meeting said that the three women called out "Shooter, stay put!", which alerted their colleagues of the danger and saved their lives. An aide heard gunshots. A teacher hiding in the math lab heard school janitor Rick Thorne yell, "Put the gun down!" Lanza killed both Hochsprung and Sherlach. Hammond was hit first in the leg, and then sustained another gunshot wound. She laid still in the hallway and then, not hearing any more noise, crawled back to the conference room and pressed her body against the door to keep it closed. She was later treated at Danbury Hospital.
A nine-year-old boy said he heard the shooter say "Put your hands up!" and someone else say "Don't shoot!" He also heard many people yelling and many gunshots over the intercom while he, his classmates, and his teacher took refuge in a closet in the gymnasium. Diane Day, a school therapist who had been at the faculty meeting with Hochsprung, was heard screaming followed by more gunshots. A second teacher, who was a substitute kindergarten teacher, was wounded in the attack. While she was closing a door further down the hallway, she was hit in the foot with a bullet that ricocheted. Lanza never entered her classroom.
After killing Hochsprung and Sherlach, Lanza entered the main office but apparently did not see the people hiding there, and returned to the hallway. School nurse Sarah (Sally) Cox, 60, hid under a desk in her office. She later described seeing the door opening and Lanza's boots and legs facing her desk from approximately twenty feet (six meters) away. He remained standing for a few seconds before turning around and leaving. She and the school secretary Barbara Halstead called 9–1–1 and hid in a first-aid supply closet for nearly four hours. Janitor Rick Thorne ran through hallways, alerting classrooms.
Classroom shootings
Lanza entered Room 8, a first-grade classroom where Lauren Rousseau, a substitute teacher, had herded her first-grade students to the back of the room, and was trying to hide them in a bathroom, when Lanza forced his way into the classroom. Rousseau, Rachel D'Avino (a behavioral therapist who had been employed for a week at the school to work with a special needs student), and fifteen students in Rousseau's class were killed. Fourteen of the children were dead at the scene; one injured child was taken to a hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead. Most of the teachers and students were found crowded together in the bathroom. A six-year-old girl, the sole survivor, was found by police in the classroom following the shooting. She hid in a corner of the classroom's bathroom during the shooting. Her family's pastor said she survived by playing dead. When she reached her mother, she said, "Mommy, I'm okay, but all my friends are dead." A girl who was hiding in a bathroom along with two teachers told police that she heard a boy in the classroom screaming, "Help me! I don't want to be here!", to which Lanza responded, "Well, you're here," followed by "hammering" sounds.
Lanza also went to Room 10, another first-grade classroom nearby; at this point, there are conflicting reports about the order of events. According to some reports, the classroom's teacher, Victoria Leigh Soto, had concealed some of the students in a closet or bathroom, and some of the other students were hiding under desks. Soto was walking back to the classroom door to lock it when Lanza entered the classroom. Lanza walked to the back of the classroom, saw the children under the desks, and shot them. First-grader Jesse Lewis shouted at his classmates to run for safety, and several of them did. Lewis was looking at Lanza when Lanza fatally shot him. Another account, given by a surviving child's father, said that Soto had moved the children to the back of the classroom, and that they were seated on the floor when Lanza entered. According to this account, neither Lanza nor any of the occupants of the classroom spoke. Lanza stared at the people on the floor, pointed the gun at a boy seated there, but did not fire. The boy ran out of the classroom. The final report into the shooting concluded that the sequence of events in Rooms 8 and 10 was "indeterminate".
A Hartford Courant report said that six of the children who escaped did so when Lanza stopped shooting, either because his weapon jammed or he erred in reloading it. Earlier reports said that, as Lanza entered her classroom, Soto told him that the children were in the auditorium. When several of the children came out of their hiding places and tried to run for safety, Lanza fatally shot them. Soto put herself between her students and the shooter, who then fatally shot her. Anne Marie Murphy, the special education teacher who worked with special-needs students in Soto's classroom, was also shot and killed; she was found covering six-year-old Dylan Hockley, who also died. Soto and four children were found dead in the classroom. Soto was near the north wall of the room with a set of keys nearby. One child was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead. Six surviving children from the class and a school bus driver took refuge at a nearby home. According to the official report released by the state's attorney, nine children ran from Soto's classroom, and police found two hiding in a class bathroom. Five of Soto's students were killed.
Survivors' eyewitness accounts
First-grade teacher Kaitlin Roig, 29 years old, hid fifteen students in a bathroom and barricaded the door, telling them to be completely quiet to remain safe. It is believed that Lanza bypassed her classroom, which was the first classroom on the left side of the hallway. Following a lockdown drill weeks earlier, Roig had failed to remove a piece of black construction paper covering the small window in her classroom door. Lanza may have assumed that Roig's classroom was empty because the door was closed and the window was covered.
School library staff Yvonne Cech and Maryann Jacob tried to hide 18 children in a part of the library the school used for lockdown in practice drills. When they discovered that one door would not lock, they had the children crawl into a storage room, where Cech barricaded the door with a filing cabinet.
Two third-grade students, chosen as classroom helpers, were walking down the hallway to the office to deliver the morning attendance sheet as the shooting began. Teacher Abbey Clements pulled both children into her classroom, where they hid.
Laura Feinstein, a reading specialist at the school, gathered two students from outside her classroom and hid with them under desks after they heard gunshots. Feinstein called the school office and tried to call 911, but could not connect due to lack of reception on her cell phone. She hid with the children for approximately 40 minutes, at which point law enforcement came to lead them out of the room.
When police interviewed survivors, a teacher recalled hearing Lanza curse several times, as well as telling them to, "Look at me!", "Come over here!", and "Look at them!"
Shooter's suicide
The police heard the final shot at 9:40:03 a.m. They believed that it was Lanza shooting himself in the lower rear portion of his head with the Glock 20SF in classroom 10. Lanza's body was found wearing a pale green pocket vest over a black polo shirt over a black T-shirt, along with black sneakers, black fingerless gloves, black socks, and a black canvas belt. Other objects found in the vicinity of Lanza included a black Boonie hat and thin frame sunglasses. The Glock was found, apparently jammed, near Lanza, and the rifle was found several feet away from him. A 9mm SIG Sauer P226, which had not been fired during the incident, was found on Lanza.
Immediate aftermath
Authorities determined that Lanza reloaded frequently during the shootings, sometimes firing only 15 rounds from a 30-round magazine. He shot all but two of his victims multiple times. Most of the shooting took place in two first-grade classrooms near the entrance of the school. The students among the victims totaled eight boys and twelve girls, all either six or seven years old, and the six adults were all women who worked at the school. Bullets were also found in at least three cars parked outside the school, leading police to believe that he fired at a teacher who was standing near a window.
Police response
First response timeline | |
---|---|
Time | Event |
9:35 a.m. | Lanza is believed to first enter SHES. |
9:35:39 a.m. | First 911 call to Newtown Police is received. |
9:36:06 a.m. | 911 dispatcher broadcasts shooting at SHES. |
9:37:38 a.m. | Connecticut State Police dispatched to SHES. |
9:39:00 a.m. | First Newtown police arrives behind SHES. |
9:39:13 a.m. | Two more Newtown officers arrive at SHES. |
9:40:03 a.m. | Last shot heard. Believed to be Lanza's suicide. |
9:42:39 a.m. | Newtown police reports Lanza's car license plate. |
9:44:47 a.m. | Newtown police officers enter SHES. |
9:46:23 a.m. | Connecticut State Police arrive at SHES. |
9:46:48 a.m. | Connecticut State Police enter SHES. |
The first call to 911 was around 9:35 a.m. Newtown 911 police dispatch first broadcast that there was a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School (SHES) at 9:36 a.m., about 30 seconds after they received the first call. Connecticut State Police (CSP) were dispatched at 9:37 a.m. Newtown police arrived at the school street at 9:39 a.m., approximately three-and-a-half minutes after the 911 call, and Connecticut State Police arrived at the school street at 9:46 a.m. Newtown police first entered the school at 9:45 a.m., approximately nine minutes after the first 911 call and approximately ten minutes after the shooting started. This was approximately five minutes after the last shot was heard. No shots were fired by the police.
The Newtown police and Connecticut State Police mobilized local police dog and police tactical units, a bomb squad, and a state police helicopter. Police locked down the school and began evacuating the survivors room by room, escorting groups of students and adults away from the school. They swept the school for other shooters at least four times.
At approximately 10:00 a.m., Danbury Hospital sent extra medical personnel in expectation of having to treat numerous victims. Three wounded patients were evacuated to the hospital, where two children were later declared dead. The other was an unidentified adult.
The New York City medical examiner dispatched a portable morgue to assist the authorities. The victims' bodies were removed from the school and formally identified during the night after the shooting. A state trooper was assigned to each victim's family to protect their privacy and provide them with information.
On December 4, 2013, six 911 calls relating to the shooting were made public.
Investigation
On-site
Investigators did not find a suicide note or any messages referring to the planning of the attack. Janet Robinson, superintendent of Newtown schools, said she had not found any connection between Lanza's mother and the school, in contrast to initial media reports that said Lanza's mother had worked there. Police also investigated whether Lanza was the person who had been in an altercation with four staff members at Sandy Hook School the day before the massacre. It was presumed that he killed two of the four staff members involved in the altercation (the principal and the psychologist) and wounded the third (the lead teacher) in the attack; the fourth staff member was not at the school that day. The state police said they did not know of any reports about any altercations at the school.
Police sources initially reported that Lanza's brother Ryan Lanza, then aged 24, was the perpetrator. This was probably because Adam was carrying Ryan's identification, Ryan told The Jersey Journal. Ryan, who lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, and was at his job in New York City at the time of the shooting, voluntarily submitted to questioning by New Jersey State Police, Connecticut State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Police said he was not considered a suspect, and he was not taken into custody. Ryan said he had not been in touch with Adam since 2010; when asked why, Ryan said his brother was "sick", " talk to anyone", and that Ryan "didn't know him anymore". Connecticut State Police indicated their concern about misinformation being posted on social media sites and threatened prosecution of anyone involved with such activities. Ryan was also mistakenly reported to have mourned his mother and brother on social media and to have been interviewed by the New York Post. A spokesperson for the Lanza family later said an impostor gave the interview.
A large quantity of unused ammunition was recovered inside the school along with three semi-automatic firearms found with Lanza: a .223-caliber Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle, a 10mm Glock 20SF handgun, and a 9mm SIG Sauer P226 handgun. Outside the school, an Izhmash Saiga-12 shotgun was found in the car Lanza had driven to the school, a black 2010 Honda Civic.
On March 28, 2013, court documents released from the investigation showed that the shooting had occurred in the space of less than five minutes with 156 shots fired. This comprised 154 shots from the rifle and 2 shots from the 10mm pistol. Lanza fired one shot from the Glock in the hallway and killed himself with another shot from the pistol to the head.
Off-site
Shortly after the shooting, police announced that Lanza used the rifle to kill the victims at the school. At a press conference on December 15, Dr. H. Wayne Carver II, the Chief Medical Examiner of Connecticut, was asked about the wounds, and replied "All the ones that I know of at this point were caused by the long weapon." When asked if the children suffered before dying, Carver replied by stating that "If so, not for very long". Carver, whose office autopsied the victims and who personally performed seven, said the injuries were "devastating" and that parents identified their children from photographs to spare them the sight. All the child victims were first-graders, and all were killed with the Bushmaster XM15. Carver said the bullets used were "designed in such a fashion the energy is deposited in the tissue so the bullet stays in."
Investigators evaluated Lanza's body, looking for evidence of drugs or medication through toxicology tests. Unusually for an investigation of this type, DNA testing of Lanza was utilized. The results of the toxicology report were published in October 2013, and stated that no alcohol or drugs were found in his system. Lanza's autopsy showed no tumors or gross deformities in his brain.
Lanza removed the hard drive from his computer and intentionally damaged it before the shooting, creating a challenge for investigators to recover data. As of the final report's publication, recovering data from the damaged drive had proven unsuccessful. Police believe that Lanza extensively researched earlier mass shootings, as they had found that Lanza had videos relating to the Columbine High School massacre and other shootings downloaded onto another hard drive, along with two videos of suicide by gunshot.
Details of the investigation were reported by law enforcement officials at a meeting of the International Association of Police Chiefs and Colonels held during the week of March 11, 2013. An article published in the New York Daily News on March 17, 2013, provided purported details of this report by an anonymous law enforcement veteran who had attended the meeting. The source stated that the investigation had found that Lanza had created a 7-by-4-foot sized spreadsheet listing around 500 mass murderers and the weapons they used, which was considered to have taken years of work and to have been used by Lanza as a "score sheet". On March 18, 2013, Lt. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police responded that the information from this meeting was "law enforcement sensitive information" and considered the release to be a leak.
The March 28 documents also provided details on items found at Lanza's home, including three samurai swords, a newspaper article about the Northern Illinois University shooting, and a National Rifle Association certificate. The NRA denied that Adam Lanza or Nancy Lanza were members, and reporters noted that the NRA site provides training certificate completion templates for courses offered by NRA Certified Instructors. A gun safe was found in a bedroom and investigators found more than 1,400 rounds of ammunition and other firearms. At home, Lanza had access to three more firearms: a .45 Henry rifle, a .30 Enfield rifle, and a .22 Marlin rifle. These were legally owned by Lanza's mother. According to Time, authorities also found a photograph of Lanza holding a gun to his head at his home following his death.
According to The New York Times, law enforcement officials commented that Lanza would spend most of his time in his basement doing solitary activities. According to the same officials, it also appeared that Lanza "may have taken target practice in the basement". The Hartford Courant reported that Lanza had edited Misplaced Pages articles related to mass shootings with the username Kaynbred.
Final reports
State Attorney's report
The final report of the State Attorney summarizing the investigation into the shooting was published on November 25, 2013. It concluded that Adam Lanza had acted alone, and that the case was closed. The report noted that " had a familiarity with and access to firearms and ammunition and an obsession with mass murders, in particular the April 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado." The report did not identify a specific motive for the shooting, stating, "The evidence clearly shows that the shooter planned his actions, including the taking of his own life, but there is no clear indication why he did so, or why he targeted Sandy Hook elementary school."
On the question of Lanza's state of mind, the report noted "significant mental health issues that affected his ability to live a normal life and to interact with others, even those to whom he should have been close ... What contribution this made to the shootings, if any, is unknown as those mental health professionals who saw him did not see anything that would have predicted his future behavior." The report found no evidence that Lanza had taken drugs or medication that would have affected his behavior, and observed, "'Why did the shooter murder twenty-seven people, including twenty children?' Unfortunately, that question may never be answered conclusively, despite the collection of extensive background information on the shooter through a multitude of interviews and other sources."
On December 27, 2013, police released thousands of pages of documents pertaining to the investigation. In accordance with law, the names of victims and witnesses were redacted or withheld. The summary report included information about items found on Lanza's computer equipment, including writings and material about previous mass shootings. A former teacher of Lanza's noted that he exhibited antisocial behavior, rarely interacted with other students, and was obsessed with writing "about battles, destruction and war."
Report of the Office of the Child Advocate
The Report of the Office of the Child Advocate concluded: "There was not one thing that was necessarily the tipping point driving Lanza to commit the Sandy Hook shooting. Rather there was a cascade of events, many self-imposed, that included: loss of school; absence of work; disruption of the relationship with his one friend; virtually no personal contact with family; virtually total and increasing isolation; fear of losing his home and of a change in his relationship with Mrs. Lanza, his only caretaker and connection; worsening OCD; depression and anxiety; profound and possibly worsening anorexia; and an increasing obsession with mass murder occurring in the total absence of any engagement with the outside world. Adam increasingly lived in an alternate universe in which ruminations about mass shootings were his central preoccupation".
The authors also noted that despite multiple developmental and mental health problems, Lanza had not received adequate mental health treatment. They wrote: "It is fair to surmise that, had Lanza's mental illness been adequately treated in the last years of his life, one predisposing factor to the tragedy of Sandy Hook might have been mitigated".
The report also tentatively disagreed with the conclusions of the State Attorney about why Lanza targeted Sandy Hook. They noted that "According to the FBI, shooters are likely to target places or people that are familiar to them ... The elementary school may have been targeted because he could overpower people, a dynamic that is very important for mass shooters as they do not want to be thwarted".
Perpetrator
Adam Peter Lanza (April 22, 1992 – December 14, 2012) lived with his mother, Nancy Lanza, in Newtown, 5 miles (8 km) from the elementary school. He did not have a criminal record. He had access to guns through his mother, who was described as a "gun enthusiast who owned at least a dozen firearms". She often took her two sons to a local shooting range, where they learned to shoot. Lanza's father has said that he does not believe Nancy feared Lanza. She did not confide any fear of Lanza to her sister or to her best friend, slept with her bedroom door unlocked, and kept guns in the house.
Education
Lanza attended Sandy Hook Elementary School for four and a half years. He began at Newtown Middle School in 2004, but according to his mother was "wracked by anxiety". She told friends that her son started getting upset in middle school because of frequent classroom changes during the day. The movement and noise were too stimulating and made him anxious. At one point, his anxiety was so intense that she took him to the emergency room at Danbury Hospital. Because of the smaller class sizes, his mother moved him to a parochial school, St. Rose of Lima. According to a classmate at St. Rose of Lima, he entered "late in the school year", and he left in June 2005.
At age 14, he went to Newtown High School, where he was named to the honor roll in 2007. Students and teachers who knew him in high school described Lanza as "intelligent but nervous and fidgety". He avoided attracting attention and was uncomfortable socializing. He is not known to have had any close friends in school. Schoolwork often triggered his underlying sense of hopelessness and by 2008, when he turned 16, he was only going to school occasionally. The intense anxiety Lanza experienced at the time suggests his autism might have been exacerbated by the hormonal shifts of adolescence. He was home-schooled to varying degrees by his mother and father throughout his high school years. In 2008 and 2009, he also attended some classes at Western Connecticut State University. He earned a high school diploma from Newtown High School through a combination of tutoring, independent learning and college classes.
Early living, developmental and mental health problems
Lanza was born and partially raised in Kingston, New Hampshire, about 7 miles (10 km) southwest of Exeter, 30 miles (50 km) east of Manchester, and 50 miles (80 km) north of Boston. While living in New Hampshire at the time, Lanza exhibited developmental challenges before the age of three. These included communication and sensory difficulties, socialization delays, and repetitive behaviors. He was seen by the New Hampshire Birth to Three intervention program and referred to special education preschool services. Once at elementary school, he was diagnosed with a sensory-integration disorder. The sensory-processing disorder does not have official status by the medical community as a formal diagnosis but is a common characteristic of autism. His anxiety affected his ability to attend school and in 8th grade, he was placed on "homebound" status, which is reserved for children who are too disabled, even with supports and accommodations, to attend school.
When he was 13, Lanza was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome by a psychiatrist, Paul Fox. When he was 14, his parents took him to Yale University's Child Study Center, where he was also diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He frequently washed his hands and changed his socks 20 times a day, to the point where his mother did three loads of laundry a day. He also sometimes went through a box of tissues in a day because he could not touch a doorknob with his bare hand.
Lanza was treated by Robert King, who recommended extensive support be put in place, and King's colleague Kathleen Koenig at the Yale Child Study Center prescribed the antidepressant Celexa. Lanza took the medication for three days. His mother Nancy reported: "On the third morning he complained of dizziness. By that afternoon he was disoriented, his speech was disjointed, he couldn't even figure out how to open his cereal box. He was sweating profusely ... it was actually dripping off his hands. He said he couldn't think ... He was practically vegetative." He never took the medication again. A report from the Office of the Child Advocate found that "Yale's recommendations for extensive special education supports, ongoing expert consultation, and rigorous therapeutic supports embedded into (Lanza's) daily life went largely unheeded."
In a 2013 interview, Peter Lanza (Adam's father) said he suspected his son might have also had undiagnosed schizophrenia in addition to his other conditions. Lanza said that family members might have missed signs of the onset of schizophrenia and psychotic behavior during his son's adolescence because they mistakenly attributed his odd behavior and increasing isolation to Asperger syndrome. Because of concerns that published accounts of Lanza's autism could result in a backlash against others with the condition, autism advocates campaigned to clarify that autism is a brain-related developmental disorder rather than a mental illness. The violence Lanza demonstrated in the shooting is generally not seen in the autistic population and none of the psychiatrists he saw detected troubling signs of violence in his disposition.
Lanza appears to have had no contact with mental health providers after 2006. The report from the Office of the Child Advocate stated: "In the course of Lanza's entire life, minimal mental health evaluation and treatment (in relation to his apparent need) was obtained. Of the couple of providers that saw him, only one—the Yale Child Study Center—seemed to appreciate the gravity of (his) presentation, his need for extensive mental health and special education supports, and the critical need for medication to ease his obsessive-compulsive symptoms."
Investigators found Lanza was fascinated with mass shootings, such as the Columbine High School massacre. Among the clippings found in his room, there was a story from The New York Times about a man who shot at schoolchildren in 1891. A book about the West Nickel Mines School shooting was also found. His computer contained two videos of gunshot suicides, movies that showed school shootings, and two pictures of Lanza pointing guns at his own head. Lanza also appeared to show an interest in pedophilia, and believed it should not be stigmatized.
This only came to light after Lanza died, because he never permitted others to access his bedroom, including his mother. Lanza had also taped black plastic garbage bags over the windows in his bedroom to block out sunlight. He had cut off contact with both his father and brother in the two years before the shooting and at one point communicated with his mother, who lived in the same house, only by email. A document titled "Selfish", describing Lanza's belief in the inherent selfishness of women, was found on his computer after his death.
Final months
According to a report by the Office of the Child Advocate in Connecticut in November 2014, Lanza may have had anorexia nervosa. The authors wrote that "Anorexia can produce cognitive impairment and it is likely that anorexia combined with an autism spectrum disorder and OCD compounded Lanza's risk for suicide". They also noted that at the time of his death, Lanza "was anorexic (he was six feet tall (183 cm) and weighed 112 pounds (51 kg)), to the point of malnutrition and resultant brain damage."
He was also living in almost total isolation in his room, spending most of his time on the internet playing World of Warcraft and other video games. The report stated that he "descended" into a world where his only communication with the outside world was with members of a cyber-community, "a small community of individuals that shared his dark and obsessive interest in mass murder".
In the weeks before the killings, Lanza's mother was considering moving him to another town. She planned to purchase a recreational vehicle for him to stay in so that potential purchasers could see the house without disturbing him. The Report of the Child Advocate stated that:
In the wake of Mrs Lanza's stated plan to move out of Newtown in 2012, and perhaps stimulated by fears of leaving the "comfort zone" of his home, Adam planned and executed the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. His severe and deteriorating internalized mental health problems were combined with an atypical preoccupation with violence. Combined with access to deadly weapons, this proved a recipe for mass murder".
James Knoll, a forensic psychiatrist at SUNY Upstate Medical University, was consulted about what motivated Lanza to kill. Knoll states that Lanza's final act conveyed a distinct message: "I carry profound hurt—I'll go ballistic and transfer it onto you."
Legal proceedings
In January 2015, the families of two of the first-graders who died in the shooting filed a lawsuit against the city of Newtown and the Newtown Board of Education alleging inadequate security at the school. On May 7, 2018, judgement was published on the side of the defendants, concluding in part that "the court has decided that the plaintiffs' claims against the defendants are barred by governmental immunity". In March 2015, it was announced that parents of children and teachers killed in the shooting had filed lawsuits against the estate of Nancy Lanza. The suits were based on a claim that she did not properly secure her firearms, which allowed her son, a person with mental health issues, to gain access to them. The attorneys representing the families said Lanza was believed to have had homeowner's insurance on her home worth more than $1 million and they were seeking compensation based on that. The case was settled in December 2015, with sixteen plaintiffs sharing a $1.5m payment from the estate.
On October 16, 2019, a jury awarded Leonard Pozner $450,000 (equivalent to $536,275 in 2023) for defamation by James Fetzer, who had co-written the book Nobody Died at Sandy Hook. The book claimed that Pozner had fabricated the death certificate of his son Noah, a six-year-old victim of the shooting. Fetzer said he would appeal the decision. Fetzer petitioned for an appeal, which was denied, to which he petitioned for a rehearing, which was also denied.
Remington
On December 15, 2014, nine families of the 26 victims of the shooting filed a class-action lawsuit in Connecticut against Bushmaster, Remington Arms, Camfour, a distributor of firearms, and the now-closed East Windsor store, Riverview Sales, where the gunman's rifle was purchased, seeking "unspecified" damages, claiming an exemption from the 2005 Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) that would normally disallow such a suit as lacking standing. The plaintiffs allege that the XM15-E2S is suitable only for military and policing applications and that Bushmaster inappropriately marketed it to civilians. In January 2015, Bushmaster's attorneys petitioned to have the suit moved to federal court because, although the shooting took place in Connecticut, it is located in North Carolina. In February 2015, the victims' families' attorneys made a motion to move the suit back to state court. On April 14, 2016, a Connecticut court denied the defendants' motion to summarily dismiss the case. Lawyers for the defense filed a second motion for dismissal a month later. On October 14, 2016, the defendants' motion to dismiss the lawsuit was granted. The judge ruled the complaint was not valid per federal and Connecticut laws.
The families appealed to the Connecticut Supreme Court. In March 2019, the court decided in a 4–3 vote to reverse parts of the trial court's rulings and remand the case back to Bridgeport Superior Court for additional hearings. It ruled that the families' appeal to the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, demonstrating that the gun manufacturers had used advertising that presented the weapons in an "unfair, unethical, or dangerous manner", with Remington seeking to "expand the market for assault weapons through advertising campaigns that encouraged consumers ... to launch offensive assaults against their perceived enemies", was not prohibited by PLCAA, and thus that the plaintiffs had sufficient standing to argue their case at trial court. It also ruled that the plaintiffs can subpoena internal documents on how gun companies have marketed the AR-15. Remington asked the Supreme Court of the United States to review the state court ruling, but in November 2019 the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, allowing the families' suit to proceed.
On July 26, 2021, a judge refused to dismiss the lawsuit. In court documents the next day, Remington offered $33 million to be shared by the nine families. On February 15, 2022, Remington agreed to settle for $73 million, according to the families' attorney, Josh Koskoff.
Alex Jones
Main article: Alex Jones § Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting See also: The Truth vs. Alex JonesOn April 17, 2018, radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was sued for defamation by three parents whose children were killed in the shooting. Prior to this, Jones said that the Sandy Hook shooting was "completely fake" and a "giant hoax" perpetrated by opponents of the Second Amendment. Jones claims he later believed the shooting was real. On May 23, 2018, six more families sued Jones for his claims. Jones was found to be in contempt of court by a Texas judge even before the trial started, failing to produce witnesses and materials relevant to the procedures. Consequently, Jones and InfoWars were fined a total of $126,000 in October and December 2019.
In October 2021, Jones was ordered to pay damages and was criticized by a judge for failing to hand over documents requested by the courts. Jones declared bankruptcy in April 2022 as a result of the defamation lawsuits caused by his claims that the shooting was a hoax.
On August 4, 2022, Jones was ordered to pay $4.1M compensatory damages to Sandy Hook parents and, on August 5, 2022, he was ordered to pay a further $45.2M in punitive damages.
On October 12, 2022, Jones was ordered to pay $965 million in damages to the families of Sandy Hook victims.
On November 14, 2024, InfoWars and its associated brands were sold to The Onion at auction after a special deal was reached with the victim's families, allowing the Onion to become the top bidder above a company affiliated with Jones.
Aftermath
The school was closed indefinitely following the shooting, partially because it remained a crime scene. Sandy Hook students returned to classes on January 3, 2013, at Chalk Hill Middle School in nearby Monroe at the town's invitation. Chalk Hill at the time was an unused facility, refurbished after the shooting, with desks and equipment brought in from Sandy Hook Elementary. The Chalk Hill school was temporarily renamed "Sandy Hook". The University of Connecticut created a scholarship for the surviving children of the shootings.
On January 31, the Newtown school board voted unanimously to ask for police officer presence in all of its elementary schools; previously other schools in the district had such protection, but Sandy Hook had not been one of those.
On May 10, a task force of 28 appointed members voted to demolish the existing Sandy Hook Elementary school and have a new school built in its place. The $57 million proposed project was sent to the Newtown Board of Education for approval, to be followed by a public ballot. In October 2013, Newtown residents voted 4,504–558 in favor of the proposed demolition and reconstruction, to be funded by $50 million in state money. Demolition began on October 25 and was completed in December 2013 at a cost of nearly US$1.4 million.
After the town clerk's office was inundated with requests from the media, Connecticut House of Representatives Republican Dan Carter introduced legislation that would restrict access to public information available under the Freedom of Information Act. On June 5, both houses (Senate and House of Representatives) of the Connecticut state legislature passed a bill modifying the state's Freedom of Information Act in order to "prevent the release of crime-scene photos and video evidence from the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre and other Connecticut homicides, concerned such records would be spread on the Internet." The bill then went on to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's desk for his signature. The bill creates a new exemption to the state's Freedom of Information Act. The release of photographs, film, video, digital or other visual images depicting a homicide victim is prevented if such records "could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of the victim or the victim's surviving family members."
The Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed to help survivors and families of the victims while also continuing the service of assisting others impacted by other shootings across the United States.
Responses
Main article: Reactions to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootingPresident Barack Obama gave a televised address on the day of the shootings: "We're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics." Obama expressed "enormous sympathy for families that are affected". He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other U.S. federal government facilities worldwide in respect of the victims. On December 16, Obama traveled to Newtown where he met with victims' families and spoke at an interfaith vigil.
Dannel Malloy, the governor of Connecticut, addressed the media the evening of the shootings near a local church holding a vigil for the victims, urging the people of Connecticut to come together and help each other. Malloy said, "Evil visited this community today, and it is too early to speak of recovery, but each parent, each sibling, each member of the family has to understand that Connecticut, we are all in this together, we will do whatever we can to overcome this event, we will get through it." Hundreds of mourners, including Malloy, attended vigils in various churches in Newtown. On December 17, Malloy called for a statewide moment of silence and church bells to be tolled 26 times at 9:30 a.m. on December 21, exactly one week after the school shooting.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said: "our thanks go out to every teacher, staff member, and first responder who cared for, comforted, and protected children from harm, often at risk to themselves. We will do everything in our power to assist and support the healing and recovery of Newtown."
The day after the shootings, Lanza's father released a statement:
Our hearts go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones and to all those who were injured. Our family is grieving along with all those who have been affected by this enormous tragedy. No words can truly express how heartbroken we are. We are in a state of disbelief and trying to find whatever answers we can. We too are asking why. We have cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so. Like so many of you, we are saddened, but struggling to make sense of what has transpired.
Leaders from other countries and organizations throughout the world also offered their condolences through the weekend after the shooting.
President Obama posthumously honored the six adults with the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal on February 15, 2013. President Obama said "And then when Dawn Hochsprung, and Mary Sherlach, Vicki Soto, Lauren Rousseau, Rachel D'Avino, Anne Marie Murphy—when they showed up for work at Sandy Hook Elementary on December 14th of last year, they expected a day like any other—doing what was right for their kids; spent a chilly morning readying classrooms and welcoming young students—they had no idea that evil was about to strike. And when it did, they could have taken shelter by themselves. They could have focused on their own safety, on their own wellbeing. But they didn't. They gave their lives to protect the precious children in their care. They gave all they had for the most innocent and helpless among us. And that's what we honor today—the courageous heart, the selfless spirit, the inspiring actions of extraordinary Americans, extraordinary citizens."
Sandy Hook conspiracy theories have become social phenomena, despite overwhelming contemporary coverage of the incident.
Gun control
Main article: Gun control after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootingThe shooting prompted renewed debate about gun control in the United States, including proposals for making the background-check system universal, and for new federal and state legislation banning the sale and manufacture of certain types of semi-automatic firearms and magazines with more than ten rounds of ammunition.
Within hours of the shooting, a We the People petition was started asking the White House to "immediately address the issue of gun control through the introduction of legislation in Congress", and the gun control advocacy group the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence reported that an avalanche of donations in the hours after the shooting caused its website to crash. Five days later, President Obama announced that he would make gun control a "central issue" of his second term, and he created a gun violence task force, to be headed by Vice President Joe Biden. On January 16, 2013, Obama signed 23 executive orders and proposed 12 congressional actions regarding gun control. His proposals included universal background checks on firearms purchases, an assault weapons ban, and a high-capacity magazine ban limiting capacity to 10 cartridges.
On December 21, 2012, the National Rifle Association's Wayne LaPierre said gun-free school zones attract killers and that another gun ban would not protect Americans. He called on Congress to appropriate funds to hire armed police officers for every American school and announced that the NRA would create the National School Shield Emergency Response Program to help. After LaPierre's press conference, the Brady Campaign asked for donations to support its gun control advocacy and asked NRA members "who believe like we do, that we are better than this" to join its campaign. On January 8, 2013, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot and injured in a 2011 shooting in Tucson, launched the gun control group Americans for Responsible Solutions, with a specific aim of matching or exceeding the fundraising capabilities of the NRA and similar groups.
On January 16, 2013, New York became the first U.S. state to act after the shooting when it enacted the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act. On April 3, 2013, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a 139-page major gun-control bill with broad bipartisan support. Governor Malloy signed the bill on the same day. The bill requires universal background checks (background checks for all firearm purchases) and a high-capacity magazine ban banning the sale or purchase of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition like those used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. It also created the first registry in the United States for dangerous-weapon offenders, and added over 100 types of guns to the state's assault weapons ban. Pro-gun groups had rallied outside the Capitol to protest prior to the signing and challenged it in court. Federal judge Alfred Covello ruled to uphold the law in January 2014.
On April 4, 2013, Maryland also enacted new restrictions to their existing gun laws. However, ten other states passed laws that relaxed gun restrictions.
Legislation introduced in the first session of 113th Congress included the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 and the Manchin-Toomey Amendment to expand background checks on gun purchases. Both were defeated in the Senate on April 17, 2013.
Video games
A renewed debate about the effects violent video games have on young people began soon after the shooting, due to news reports suggesting Lanza frequently played violent video games. Wayne LaPierre publicly blamed video games for the shooting, specifically targeting the free online game Kindergarten Killer, created by Gary Short.
Police found numerous video games in the basement of Adam Lanza's home, which was used as a gaming area. The final report into the shooting by the State Attorney, published in November 2013, noted that " played video games often, both solo at home and online. They could be described as both violent and non-violent. One person described the shooter as spending the majority of his time playing non-violent video games, with his favorite at one point being Super Mario Bros."
The report described his liking for Dance Dance Revolution, which he played frequently for long stretches of time at a movie theater in Danbury which had a commercial version of the game, and also owned a console version of at home. Dance Dance Revolution is a non-violent exercising game where "the user is required to move their feet rhythmically in response to video cues". According to the Report by the Office of the Child Advocate, Lanza would play the game for hours on end using it as a distraction from his inner turmoil. The report said "he would whip himself into a frenzy, a behavior consistent, possibly, with a need to contain anxiety-producing impulses and thoughts. There were days when he would not do anything else but Dance Dance Revolution."
The final report by the State Attorney did not make a link between video games and the motive for the shooting. However, the Report of the Child Advocate said "video game and internet addiction appear to be 'highly comorbid with several other psychiatric disorders' including anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive challenges".
Legacy
Many organizations were created due to the massacre that work to promote an end to school shootings, with some, such as Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, Sandy Hook Promise, and Safe and Sound Schools organized and led by parents of victims, while others, such as Moms Demand Action, were created by outsiders outraged by the shooting.
Effect on the community
2014
In March 2014, the Newtown city officials announced the design for the new Sandy Hook Elementary School. The only remnant of the original school would be its flagpole.
A few days later, the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation released results of a survey with over 1,600 respondents. Among other inquiries, the survey asked residents what should be done with the balance of the $11 million in donations that had been received since the incident in 2012. The majority of responses said that money for mental health counseling and other family expenses should be the top priorities. A few responses suggested that some of the money should be used to purchase and tear down the shooter's family home in order to replace it with a park or wildlife sanctuary. Jennifer Barahona, the foundation's executive director, was quoted as saying, "That's not something we're considering at this time. It's really outside of our scope."
On October 21, building site preparation work began on the new Sandy Hook Elementary School; project updates and progress were posted on a dedicated website. Citing security and privacy reasons and out of respect for the families of victims, no ground breaking ceremony was held. Construction was scheduled to begin in March 2015 with the school expected to open by December 2016.
In December, it was announced that the town of Newtown will acquire the property and home of Nancy Lanza at no cost. The property at 36 Yogananda St. was part of the Lanza estate, to which surviving son Ryan Lanza is the sole heir. Lanza's attorney, Kenneth Gruder, arranged for the transfer through a series of transactions so that probate records would not show the city acquiring the property from the Lanza family. Gruder said the notoriety of the home had made it essentially unsalable. The home was demolished in March 2015.
2015
On January 21, 2015, Newtown Legislative Council voted unanimously to demolish the house where Nancy and Adam Lanza lived, and to keep the land as open space. The demolition was completed on March 24, 2015.
In February 2015, the family of one of the victims, Victoria Soto, applied for trademark protection for her name. The reason for this was to help prevent others from misusing Soto's name on social media and for the benefit of the memorial fund set up in her name. The victim's sister, Jillian, said fake social media accounts existed using her sister's name to promote conspiracy theories about the shooting.
2016
In July 2016, the new Sandy Hook Elementary School was unveiled and parents were shown around the building. The design of the new school incorporates numerous security features, including bulletproof glass exteriors, fencing around the perimeter of the building, and fortified safe rooms. The new school is on the site of the building where the shooting took place, which was demolished and rebuilt with a state grant of around $50 million.
2019
In March 2019, Jeremy Richman, the father of victim Avielle Richman, was found dead of an apparent suicide. His wife said that he "succumbed to the grief that he could not escape."
2024
On June 12, 2024, around 60 students who had survived the shooting graduated from Newtown High School. At a ceremony to mark the event, Principal Kimberly Longobucco read out the names of those who died, followed by a moment of silence.
Memorial
Main article: Sandy Hook MemorialIn 2013, the Newtown board of selectmen appointed the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission. Out of 189 design submissions, the commission chose a design created by Dan Affleck and Ben Waldo of SWA Group. $3.7 million to construct the memorial was narrowly approved by Newtown voters in April 2021, and site work began in August 2021. Construction was completed in August 2022. The memorial opened to the public on November 13, 2022, after a private ceremony with the victims' families. It features a stone basin engraved with the names of the victims, with a young sycamore tree at its center. A memorial mass is held every year at St. Rose of Lima Church.
See also
- List of attacks related to primary schools
- List of school-related attacks
- List of school shootings in the United States (2000–present)
- List of school massacres by death toll § Rampage killers
- Chenpeng Village Primary School stabbing, a school stabbing on the same day which drew comparisons between the two attacks
References
- "What would have prevented Lanza from mass murder at Sandy Hook?". The Washington Times. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
- ^ Vance, J. Paul. "Update: State Police Identify Weapons Used in Sandy Hook Investigation". State of Connecticut. Archived from the original on May 17, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
Seized inside the school: #1. Bushmaster .223 caliber model XM15-E2S rifle with high capacity 30 round magazine #2. Glock 10 mm handgun #3. Sig-Sauer P226 9mm handgun The shooter used the Bushmaster .223 to murder 20 children and six adults inside the school; he used a handgun to take his own life inside the school. No other weapons were used in this crime.
- ^ "Conn. school shooter had 4 weapons". CBS News. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- ^ Almasy, Steve (December 19, 2012). "Newtown shooter's guns: What we know". CNN. Archived from the original on December 29, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
The primary weapon used in the attack was a "Bushmaster AR-15 assault-type weapon," said Connecticut State Police Lt. Paul Vance. The rifle is a Bushmaster version of a widely made AR-15, the civilian version of the M-16 rifle used by the U.S. military. The original M-16 patent ran out years ago, and now the AR-15 is manufactured by several gunmakers. Unlike the military version, the AR-15 is a semiautomatic, firing one bullet per squeeze of the trigger. But like the M-16, ammunition is loaded through a magazine. In the school shooting, police say Lanza's rifle used numerous 30-round magazines.
- ^ Barron, James (December 15, 2012). "Children Were All Shot Multiple Times With a Semiautomatic, Officials Say". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- "20 children among dead at school shooting in Connecticut". CBC News. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- ^ "Police: Second person injured in Connecticut school shooting survived". NBC News. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- ^ Llanos, Miguel (December 14, 2012). "Authorities ID gunman who killed 27 in elementary school massacre". NBC News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Jennings, Natalie (December 14, 2012). "Mark Kelly: Action on guns 'can no longer wait'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- ^ Ferguson, Christopher (November 27, 2013). "Adam Lanza's motive a mystery in Sandy Hook killings". CNN. Archived from the original on November 27, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- Fernando, Christine (February 15, 2022). "Sandy Hook families agree to $73 million settlement with gunmaker Remington". USA Today. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
- Report of the Office of the Child Advocate, p.9, section 36
- "Enrollment Report as of November 30, 2012". Newtown Public School District. December 4, 2012. Archived from the original on June 4, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- ^ Barron, James (December 14, 2012). "Nation Reels After Gunman Massacres 20 Children at School in Connecticut". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- "Welcome to the Town of Newtown". Town of Newtown. Archived from the original on May 15, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
- ^ Candiotti, Susan; Aarthun, Sarah (December 15, 2012). "'Why? Why?': 26 dead in elementary school massacre". CNN. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-3(18) (2011) Archived July 31, 2012, at the Wayback Machine (defining "'pistol' or 'revolver'" as "any firearm having a barrel less than twelve inches"); Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29–34(b) Archived September 7, 2013, at the Wayback Machine (banning any transfer of a pistol or revolver to a person under 21, except for temporary and supervised use at a target range)
- Fessenden, Ford; Parlapiano, Alicia; McClean, Alan (December 17, 2012). "Connecticut's Rules for Purchasing This Gun". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- Williams, Pete; Huus, Kari (December 14, 2012). "Gunman's mother owned weapons used in Connecticut school massacre". NBC News. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- Flegenheimer, Matt; Somaiya, Ravi (December 15, 2012). "A Mother, a Gun Enthusiast and the First Victim". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 17, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- Hermann, Peter; Rosenwald, Michael S. (December 15, 2012). "Newtown school shooter's mother collected guns, was loath to let people inside home". Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 26, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- Ryser, Rob (December 10, 2017). "Sandy Hook victims' families struggle with feelings about Nancy Lanza". The News-Times. Archived from the original on January 14, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
- Poulisse, Adam (December 19, 2012). "Victim Rachel D'Avino, killed days before marriage proposal, had ties to UHart and USJ". Berkshire Eagle. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
- "Connecticut shooting: Services for Katonah native Anne Marie Murphy set". Newsday. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- Bacon, JoAnn (January 12, 2016). "Sandy Hook Parents: How We Honor Our Daughter's Memory". Time Magazine. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
- "Caroline Previdi Foundation". Archived from the original on August 31, 2017. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
- Altimari, Dave (March 14, 2015). "Families Of Sandy Hook Victims Sue Nancy Lanza Estate". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on August 7, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
- "Connecticut Elementary School Shooting Victims: 'Hero' Teacher, Principal, 20 Kids". ABC News. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- "Factbox: Identities of Connecticut shooting victims". Reuters. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on March 28, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- "CT State Police Release Names Of Victims In School Shooting Massacre". CBS News. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- ^ Esposito, Richard; Smith, Candice; Ng, Christina (December 14, 2012). "20 Children Died in Newtown, Conn., School Massacre". ABC News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- "Sandy Hook School Shootings Fast Facts". CNN. June 7, 2013. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- Christofferson, John; Apuzzo, Matt; Fitzgerald, Jim; Murphy, Bridget; Eaton-Robb, Pat (December 16, 2012). "Evidence hints at deadlier plan in Conn. massacre". The Washington Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
- Marcus, Ruth (May 17, 2023). "Opinion | Nancy Lanza, a mother tragic and infuriating". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
- ^ "Gunman dead after killing 20 children, 6 adults at Connecticut elementary school". Fox News. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- ^ Altimari, Dave; Lender, Jon. "Newtown shootings: Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooter Adam Lanza Wore Earplugs". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
Besides the earplugs, he was wearing all black clothes under a drab olive green utility vest with pockets filled with 30-round magazines for the Bushmaster.
- Candiotti, Susan; Botelho, Greg; Watkins, Tom (March 29, 2013). "Newtown shooting details revealed in newly released documents". CNN. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
But on December 14, 2012, he went out – armed with 10 30-round magazines for his semiautomatic Bushmaster .223 caliber model XM15 rifle and bullets for his two handguns and a shotgun.
- Dorn, Chris; Dorn, Michael; Steve, Satterly; Shepherd, Sonayia; Nguyen, Phuong. "7 Lessons Learned from Sandy Hook". Campus Safety. Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- Bryan, Alix (December 16, 2012). "TIMELINE: Connecticut elementary school shooting updates". WTVR. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- Gray, Sadie (December 16, 2012). "Sandy Hook gunman Adam Lanza shot his way through school door". The Times. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- ^ Gorosko, Andrew (November 26, 2013). "Long-Awaited 12/14 Report Offers Details, But No Motive". The Newtown Bee. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
- "Newtown report reveals details, but no motive". Yale Daily News. December 3, 2013. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
- Hayes, Mike (December 27, 2013). "Police Release Final Report On Sandy Hook School Shooting". BuzzFeed News. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
- "Newtown shooter Adam Lanza was not wearing body armor during massacre". New Haven Register. New Haven, Connecticut. December 27, 2012. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
- McCarthy, Tom (October 8, 2015). "Sandy Hook victim's daughter calls Ben Carson 'insensitive' for Oregon reaction". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 13, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- Christoffersen, John. "Conn. files: Gunman's mother loving but bewildered". Philadelphia Daily News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- ^ Levitz, Jennifer (December 16, 2012). "Sandy Hook Locals Face New Reality". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- ^ "State's Attorney's Report on Sandy Hook Elementary School Shootings". The New York Times. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2013.
- "Conn. school shooting: What we know". CBS News. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- ^ Applebome, Peter; Wilson, Michael (December 14, 2012). "Who Would Do This to Our Poor Little Babies". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 11, 2017. Retrieved February 28, 2017.
- ^ Altimari, Dave; Mahony, Edmund H.; Lender, Jon (March 13, 2013). "Newtown shootings: Adam Lanza Researched Mass Murderers, Sources Say". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
- Stoller, Gary (December 19, 2012). "School shooting survivor tells her story". USA Today. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
- "Sandy Hook Exposed?". snopes.com. December 15, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
- "Staff Directory". Sandy Hook Elementary School. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
- Klein, Melissa (December 14, 2012). "Sandy Hook Elementary School nurse Sarah Cox relives terror of Newtown, Connecticut shooting". New York Post. Archived from the original on January 7, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- Christoffersen, John (December 14, 2012). "20 children, 6 adults killed at Connecticut school". ABC News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- "Connecticut State Police Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Report". State of Connecticut. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- "Details emerge on Sandy Hook shooting, Lanza's belongings". MSN. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- "Pastor Explains How Girl Played Dead to Survive". ABC News. December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
- Abby Rogers (December 17, 2012). "One Little Girl Had To Lay Among Her Dead Friends To Escape The Sandy Hook Gunman". Business Insider. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- Raf Sanchez (December 17, 2012). "Connecticut school shooting: six-year-old stayed alive by playing dead". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on February 18, 2015. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ Mayko, Michael P.; Pirro, John (December 31, 2013). "The voices of children who saw evil". The News-Times. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
- "Face the Nation transcripts April 21, 2013: Boston bombings". Face the Nation. April 21, 2013. CBS. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
- "Face the Nation transcripts April 21, 2013: Boston bombings". Face the Nation. April 21, 2013. CBS. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
- Christoffersen, John (September 29, 2013). "Fear permeates young lives of Newtown witnesses". San Jose Mercury News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- ^ "Sandy Hook Final Report. Office of the State's Attorney, Judicial District of Danbury. Stephen J. Sedensky III, State's Attorney" (PDF). ct.gov. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 25, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- Rayment, Sean (December 15, 2012). "Teachers sacrificed themselves to save their pupils". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- Ramos, Victor Manuel (December 15, 2012). "Sandy Hook educators died trying to save the children". Newsday. Archived from the original on December 31, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
- Cleary, Tom (December 17, 2012). "Dylan Hockley died in Anne Marie Murphy's arms". Connecticut Post. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- "Newtown Resident Gene Rosen Speaks About Sheltering Six Students Who Escaped the Shooting". Fox News. December 18, 2012. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- Stelzer, Brigitte (December 23, 2012). "Newtown massacre victims (and survivors) pictured in Victoria Soto's class photo". New York Post. Archived from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
- Cleary, Tom (December 14, 2012). "'Hero teacher' rushed students to bathroom to keep students safe". Connecticut News. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- Roig-Debellis, Kaitlin; Fisher, Robin Gaby (2016). Choosing Hope: How I Moved Forward from Life's Darkest Hour. G. P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Random House. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-425-28231-1. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
Where can we hide? There's only one place. The bathroom ... How in God's name will I get all sixteen of us in there?
- "Newtown school massacre victims identified". BBC News. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- Nikitchyuk, Andre (December 17, 2012). "BREAKING THE SILENCE! Father of surviving Sandy Hook student admits turning a blind eye to gun violence can no longer be an option". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- Winter, Michael (December 14, 2012). "Tales of Sandy Hook heroism, young and old". USA Today. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
- "'Absolutely heartbreaking': Sandy Hook teacher's terrifying experience". WTOP. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- Scinto, Rich (December 15, 2012). "Sandy Hook Elementary: Newtown, Connecticut shooting timeline". The Oakland Press. Archived from the original on December 21, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- ^ Connor, Tracy (December 19, 2012). "'Call for everything': Police scanner recording reveals early moments of Newtown tragedy". NBC News. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- "Access to weapons made tragedy possible". Connecticut Post. March 28, 2013. Archived from the original on June 24, 2013. Retrieved April 3, 2013.
- ^ "Sandy Hook Shooting, detailed report. Contains documents and further evidence from the case" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 25, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
- "What would have prevented Lanza from mass murder at Sandy Hook?". The Washington Times. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
- ^ Altimari, Dave; Lender, Jon (January 6, 2013). "Sandy Hook Shooter Adam Lanza Wore Earplugs". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2013.
- "Connecticut State Police Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Report". State of Connecticut. 2013. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
- Zeveloff, Naomi (December 5, 2013). "A Newtown Clarification". The Jewish Daily Forward. Archived from the original on January 7, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
- "Sandy Hook shooting: What happened?". CNN. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 8, 2013.
- ^ "Children in Connecticut rampage were six, seven; shot multiple times". Reuters. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- "Newtown school shooting: Transcript of police, fire radio dispatch". New Haven Register. New Haven, Connecticut. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- Emmert, Don. "Conn. Elementary School Shooting: 20 Children, Seven Adults Killed". Mason County Daily News. Agence France-Presse. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- "Twenty children dead in mass shooting at Connecticut elementary school". Maclean's. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 27, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
- "28 Dead, Including 20 Children, After Sandy Hook School Shooting in Newtown". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012.
- Van Brussel, Joe; Sledge, Matt (December 14, 2012). "Danbury Hospital Prepared For School Shooting Massive Casualties, Got Few". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- Quillen, Matt (December 15, 2012). "20 children, suspect's mother dead in CT elementary school shooting". NBC12. Archived from the original on March 14, 2013. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
- "Sandy Hook victims identified, bodies removed from school overnight". CBS News. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- Altimari, Dave; Wilson, Jenny (December 4, 2013). "On The Six Newtown 911 Calls, Terror And Pleas For Help". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- Sherwell, Philip (December 16, 2012). "Connecticut school shooting: Adam Lanza rigged rifle for maximum damage". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- Farhi, Paul (December 19, 2012). "Media too quick to fill in the gaps in story of school shooting in Newtown, Conn". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved September 11, 2017.
- "Newtown gunman had 'altercation' with school staff day before massacre". NBC News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- ^ "Live blog: Kids slain at Connecticut school were 6, 7". CNN. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on February 18, 2018. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
- Ross, Brian; Cuomo, Chris; Esposito, Richard (December 14, 2012). "Connecticut Shooter Adam Lanza: 'Obviously Not Well'". ABC News. Archived from the original on October 25, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- Shontell, Alyson (December 17, 2012). "What It Was Like Being Ryan Lanza's Facebook Friend When The World Thought He Was A Killer". Business Insider. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- Grant, Jason; Frassinelli, Mike (December 15, 2012). "Rumors fly in Hoboken about brother of suspected Connecticut school shooter". The Star Ledger. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
- Boburg, Shawn; Ensslin, John; Cowen, Richard (December 15, 2012). "Sandy Hook shooter's brother questioned in Hoboken after shootings". North Jersey. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- From the Associated Press (December 15, 2012). "Police make contact with Lanza's 'missing' girlfriend and friend; Mother found dead in home". KNKX. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- Yost, Pete (December 14, 2012). "Conn. school shooting: Adam Lanza ID's as shooter". KSDK. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- ^ Yost, Pete; Keyser, Jason (December 15, 2012). "Correction: Conn school shooting-suspect story". NPR. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012.
- "Brother of Conn. gunman wrongly cited as shooter". The Wall Street Journal. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- Shapiro, Rebecca (December 14, 2012). "Media Initially Identify Adam Lanza, Newtown Shooting Suspect, As Ryan Lanza, His Brother". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Engel, Pamela (December 7, 2015). "New Details Revealed About Ryan Lanza's Interrogation After The Sandy Hook Massacre". Business Insider. Archived from the original on October 10, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
- "Lt. Paul Vance: Misinformation Is Being Posted on Social Media Sites". Fox News Insider. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- ^ Finn, Peter (December 23, 2012). "Lanza's brother denies giving Facebook interview to New York Post". Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 19, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- "Ryan Lanza mourns the loss of his mother, Nancy, and brother, Adam Lanza". News.com.au. December 24, 2012. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- Stableford, Dylan (December 23, 2012). "Someone pretending to be Ryan Lanza gives Facebook interview to the New York Post". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- ^ "Inside Newtown shooter Adam Lanza's home". MSNBC. March 28, 2013. Archived from the original on April 1, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
- "Details Emerge On Sandy Hook Shooting". Hartford Courant. October 19, 2013. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
- Goode, Erica (December 16, 2012). "Newtown Shooter Used a Rifle Popular Among Gunowners". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- Willingham, A.J. (December 15, 2012). "All wounds caused by 'long weapon'". HLN. Archived from the original on December 17, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- "Medical Examiner: Newtown Shooting Victims Suffered 'Devastating Set of Injuries'". Newtown.patch.com. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on March 24, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- Candiotti, Susan; Ford, Dana (December 18, 2012). "Families hold funerals as school resumes for some Newtown students". CNN. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- Lauerman, John (December 20, 2012). "DNA of Newtown Gunman Unlikely to Yield Clues of Violence". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on December 23, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
- Eveleth, Rose (December 31, 2012). "Adam Lanza's DNA Will Tell Us Nothing". Smithsonian.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
- Altimari, Dave (October 29, 2013). "Full Report Confirms No Drugs, Alcohol In Lanza's System". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on July 9, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
- "Adam Lanza, shooter in Sandy Hook Elementary massacre, found to have no brain deformities: medical examiner". Daily News. New York. Associated Press. January 11, 2013. Archived from the original on February 24, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
- "Reports: Lanza smashed computer hard drive". USA Today. December 17, 2012. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- "Police release full Newtown massacre report, with photos and video – Investigations". NBC News. December 27, 2013. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
- ^ Lupica, Mike (March 17, 2013). "Lupica: Morbid find suggests murder-obsessed gunman Adam Lanza plotted Newtown, Conn.'s Sandy Hook massacre for years". Daily News. Archived from the original on March 21, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
- Gendreau, LeAnne (March 18, 2013). "Sandy Hook Shooter Kept Spreadsheet on Mass Killings: Report". WVIT. Archived from the original on April 23, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
- "Adam Lanza, mom had NRA Certificates". Huffington Post. March 28, 2013. Archived from the original on March 31, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
- "Documents: New details on Newtown school massacre". CNN. March 28, 2013. Archived from the original on March 28, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
- "Connecticut school victims were shot multiple times". CNN. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- Candiotti, Susan; Yan, Holly (December 16, 2012). "Connecticut school shooting: Latest developments". CNN. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
Carver, who performed autopsies on seven of the victims, said the wounds he knew about were caused by a "long weapon" and that the rifle was the primary weapon used.
- Altimari, Dave; Mahony, Edmund; Lender, Jon (December 19, 2012). "Sandy Hook Shooter Lanza Left Little For Investigators To Trace". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on January 6, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
- Williams, Pete; Llanos, Miguel; Connor, Tracy (December 14, 2012). "Elementary school massacre: 27 dead, including 20 kids, in Connecticut". NBC News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Lysiak, Matthew; Slattery, Denis; Schapiro, Rich (December 14, 2012). "Sandy Hook mass murderer Adam Lanza, 20, 'deeply disturbed kid'". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Park, Alice (March 11, 2014). "Don't Blame Adam Lanza's Violence on Asperger's". Time. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
- Kleinfield, N. R.; Rivera, Ray; Kovaleski, Serge F. (March 28, 2013). "Newtown Killer's Obsessions, in Chilling Detail". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 7, 2013. Retrieved May 1, 2013.
- Altimari, Dave (December 9, 2018). "Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza's spreadsheet detailing centuries of mass violence served as a road map to murder". The Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- "Sandy Hook report – shooter Adam Lanza was obsessed with mass murder". The Guardian. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on November 26, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2013.
- "Newtown gunman Adam Lanza had 'obsession' with Columbine". BBC News. November 26, 2013. Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- "Sandy Hook massacre: Adam Lanza acted alone and had an obsession with mass killings". The Independent. London. November 26, 2013. Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- "Police Release Documents On Newtown Massacre". Hartford Courant. December 27, 2013. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
- Chappell, Bill (November 25, 2013). "No Motive In Newtown Report, But Many Details About Lanza". NPR. Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
- "Police file on Newtown yields chilling portrait". The Washington Post. Associated Press. December 27, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2013.
- ^ Report of the Office of the Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.104
- Report of the Office of the Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.107
- ^ Halbfinger, David M (December 14, 2012). "A Gunman, Recalled as Intelligent and Shy, Who Left Few Footprints in Life". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 27, 2013. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Misur, Susan; Carter, Angi; Smith, Jenn (December 14, 2012). "Adam Lanza's family seemed like normal family, neighbors say". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- Yost, Pete; Keyser, Jason (December 14, 2012). "Connecticut shooting suspect was honors student". Boston Globe. Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- "Friends: Newtown gunman's mother home-schooled son, kept arsenal of guns". CBS News. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- Bankoff, Caroline (December 2012). "Newtown Shooter Adam Lanza's Mother Was an Avid Gun Collector". New York. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- "Investigators look for insight into Newtown gunman's mind". CBS News. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- Goodwin, Liz (December 19, 2012). "Survivalists worry 'preppers' will be scapegoated for Newtown shooting". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- Alexander, Harriet; Barrett, David; Donnelly, Laura; Swaine, Jon (December 15, 2012). "Connecticut school shooting: Troubled life of Adam Lanza, a fiercely intelligent killer". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on April 18, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- Lysiak, Matthew; Slattery, Dennis; Siemaszko, Corky (December 15, 2012). "Newtown, Conn. shooting: Sandy Hook elementary school gunman Adam Lanza learned to shoot from his gun-collecting mom". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- ^ Solomon, Andrew (March 17, 2014). "The Reckoning". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
- Stoller, Gary; Dorell, Oren (December 19, 2012). "Classmate says Adam Lanza attended Sandy Hook school". USA Today. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
- Griffin, Alaine; Kovner, Josh (June 30, 2013). "Adam Lanza's Medical Records Reveal Growing Anxiety". The Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on March 2, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
- ^ Griffin, Alaine; Kovner, Josh (June 29, 2013). "Adam Lanza's Pediatric Records Reveal Growing Anxiety". PBS. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
- Fisher, Marc; O'Harrow, Robert; Finn, Peter (December 22, 2012). "A frustrating search for motive in Newtown shootings". Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- "Newtown High School honor roll". The News-Times. May 5, 2007. Archived from the original on October 25, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- Dixon, Ken. "Report: 'Missed opportunities' to stop Sandy Hook killer". Connecticut Post. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ "Raising Adam Lanza". Frontline. PBS. February 19, 2013. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
- ^ Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Office of the Child Advocate, 2014, p.7.
- "Newtown Shooter Lanza Had Sensory Processing Disorder". ABC News. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
- ^ Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Office of the Child Advocate, 2014, p.8.
- "Police release documents on Newtown massacre". Politico. December 27, 2013. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
- "Adam Lanza, Newtown school shooter, remains enigma despite files". Newsday. Archived from the original on December 29, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- ^ "Sandy Hook shooter treated at Yale". Yale Daily News. January 22, 2014. Archived from the original on July 3, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
- Falco, Miriam (December 17, 2012). "Groups: Autism not to blame for violence". CNN. Archived from the original on February 5, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- Goodwin, Liz (February 19, 2013). "New photos, details emerge of Newtown mass shooter Adam Lanza | The Lookout". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on February 19, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
- "Adam Lanza Diagnosed With Sensory Integration Disorder | Video". ABC News. February 18, 2013. Archived from the original on February 18, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
- Rochman, Bonnie (December 19, 2012). "Guilt by Association: Troubling Legacy of Sandy Hook May Be Backlash Against Children with Autism". Time. Archived from the original on October 13, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
- Lutz, Amy S.F. (December 17, 2012). "Don't Be Afraid of People With Autism: They are not cold-blooded killers". Slate. Archived from the original on December 21, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
- News, A. B. C. "Sandy Hook Report Offers Grim Details of Adam Lanza's Bedroom". ABC News. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - "Sandy Hook killer Adam Lanza took motive to his grave - CNN.com". CNN. December 18, 2013. Archived from the original on December 18, 2013.
- Perrefort, Dirk (January 19, 2014). "Computer evidence shows Lanza's interest in pedophilia". Connecticut Post. Archived from the original on November 6, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
- "Sandy Hook killer Adam Lanza took motive to his grave". CNN. November 26, 2013. Archived from the original on December 18, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- "Sandy Hook Report: Inside Gunman Adam Lanza's Bedroom". ABC News. November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- Report of the Office of Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.102.
- Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School (PDF) (Report). November 21, 2014. p. 102. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 26, 2014. Retrieved November 28, 2014.
- Report of the Office of Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.100.
- "Nancy Lanza had considered moving with her son to Washington state". The Seattle Times. November 18, 2012. Archived from the original on August 24, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
- Report of the Office of Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.103
- Report of the Office of Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.8
- Report of the Office of Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.9.
- ^ Richinick, Michele (January 22, 2015). "Gun manufacturer moves Sandy Hook lawsuit to federal court". MSNBC. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
- "Lewis v. Newton Board of Education, CV156075650S | Casetext Search + Citator". casetext.com.
- Polansky, Rob (March 13, 2015). "Nine Sandy Hook families sue Lanza estate". Eyewitness News 3. WFSB. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
- Jorgensen, Sarah (December 23, 2015). "Sandy Hook families to share $1.5M from estate of shooter's mother". CNN.
- "Sandy Hook shooting: Parent awarded $450,000 for defamation". BBC News. October 16, 2019. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
- "James Fetzer, Petitioner v. Leonard Pozner". Supreme Court of the United States. Archived from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- "Sandy Hook victims' families file lawsuit against gun maker". BBC News. December 15, 2014. Archived from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
- Terrill, Daniel. "Remington tries for dismissal in Sandy Hook, Bushmaster case". Guns.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- ^ Obbie, Mark (February 17, 2016). "Will a Gun Manufacturer Be Held Liable for Sandy Hook?". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- Stewart, Doug (February 17, 2015). "Sandy Hook families push to move Bushmaster lawsuit back to state court". FOX CT. Archived from the original on May 6, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
- Gorman, Michele (April 14, 2016). "Sandy Hook Lawsuit: Judge Rules Against Gun Companies". Newsweek. Archived from the original on April 15, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
- Fantz, Ashley (June 20, 2016). "Gun makers urge judge to toss Sandy Hook lawsuit". CNN. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
- Brennan, Christopher (October 14, 2016). "Conn. judge dismisses Sandy Hook families' lawsuit against gunmaker". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on October 14, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
- Mason, Melvin (October 14, 2016). "Sandy Hook families' lawsuit thrown out". Stratford Star. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
In her 54-page ruling, Bellis said the allegations "do not fit within the common-law tort of negligence entrustment under well established Connecticut law, nor do they come within the PLCAA 's definition of negligent entrustment."
- "Memorandum of Decision". October 14, 2016. Archived from the original on December 30, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
- "Connecticut Judge Dismisses Sandy Hook Families' Suit Against Gunmaker". The New York Times. Reuters. October 14, 2016. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
- Altimari, Dave (March 17, 2019). "Supreme Court ruling in Sandy Hook case could reveal gun manufacturer's confidential marketing strategy for semiautomaic firearms". The Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on September 26, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2019.
- Stern, Mark Joseph (March 14, 2019). "Connecticut Supreme Court Issues Stunning Decision Allowing Sandy Hook Families to Sue Gun Manufacturer". Slate. Archived from the original on March 15, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
- de Vogue, Ariane (November 12, 2019). "Supreme Court allows Sandy Hook families to sue Remington". CNN. Archived from the original on November 12, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
- Romo, Vanessa (July 28, 2021). "Gun-Maker Offers Sandy Hook Families $33 Million. Here's What They May Be Considering". NPR. Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
- Murdock, Sebastian (February 15, 2022). "Sandy Hook Families Win $73 Million In Lawsuit Against Remington Arms". HuffPost. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
- "Families of Sandy Hook victims settle with Remington". BBC News. February 16, 2022. p. 1. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- Haag, Matthew (April 17, 2018). "Sandy Hook Parents Sue Alex Jones for Defamation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on April 17, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
- "The Latest: Host Alex Jones responds to Sandy Hook lawsuits". NY Daily News. Archived from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
- Zadrozny, Brandy. "Six more families sue Alex Jones over Sandy Hook conspiracy claims". NBC News. Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
- "Alex Jones ordered to pay $100,000 in Sandy Hook defamation case". BBC News. December 31, 2019. Archived from the original on December 31, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
- Timothy Bella (October 1, 2021). "Alex Jones must pay damages to Sandy Hook families after calling shooting a 'giant hoax,' judge rules". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
- Calfas, Jennifer (October 1, 2021). "Alex Jones Held Liable in Sandy Hook Defamation Cases". WSJ. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021 – via www.wsj.com.
- "Alex Jones' Infowars files for bankruptcy in wake of defamation suits over his assertions that the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax". www.cbsnews.com. April 18, 2022. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
- Taylor, Derrick Bryson (April 18, 2022). "Alex Jones's Infowars Files for Bankruptcy". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022 – via NYTimes.com.
- Dylan Stableford (August 4, 2022). "Alex Jones must pay $4.1 million to Sandy Hook parents, jury finds". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
- Samee, Safia. "Alex Jones must pay at least $4.1 million to parents of a Sandy Hook school massacre victim in defamation case, jury rules". NBC News. Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
- Massie, Graeme (August 5, 2022). "Alex Jones ordered to pay additional $45.2m in punitive damages by Texas jury". The Independent. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
- Queen, Jack (October 12, 2022). "Alex Jones must pay Sandy Hook families nearly $1 billion for hoax claims, jury says". Reuters. Archived from the original on January 5, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
- ^ "Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones' Infowars at auction with Sandy Hook families' backing". AP News. November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
- James, Will (December 17, 2012). "Sandy Hook Elementary School Closed Indefinitely". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on March 10, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- "Connecticut survivors to attend school in neighboring town". Reuters. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- "Sandy Hook students to move to Monroe school". The News-Times. December 16, 2012. Archived from the original on December 20, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- "Newtown shooting: Sandy Hook students back to school". BBC News. January 3, 2013. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2013.
- DeSantis, Nick (December 18, 2012). "UConn Creates a Scholarship in Honor of School-Shooting Victims". The Chronicle of Higher Education. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
- Zaretsky, Mark (January 31, 2013). "Newtown board wants more cops in schools". New Haven Register. New Haven, Connecticut. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- Kelly, Devin (May 11, 2013). "Task force: Sandy Hook Elementary should be torn down, rebuilt". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 12, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
- Brumfield, Ben (May 11, 2013). "Sandy Hook task force recommends demolition and rebuilding". CNN. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
- Chappell, Bill (October 6, 2013). "The Votes Are In: Sandy Hook Elementary Will Be Torn Down". WBUR. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- Ford, Bev; Siemaszko, Corky (October 25, 2013). "Sandy Hook Elementary School razing begins in Newtown, Conn". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on November 26, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
- Richinick, Michele (January 2, 2014). "Construction crews completely demolish former Sandy Hook Elementary School". MSNBC. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
- ^ "Connecticut mulls death certificate limits after Newtown massacre". Fox News. Associated Press. February 24, 2013. Archived from the original on March 1, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
- Haigh, Susan. "Conn. lawmakers OK compromise Newtown privacy bill". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 5, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
- Hockley, Nicole. "My son never came home from Sandy Hook. My heart bleeds for Texas as I relive Dylan's murder". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
- "Statement by the President on the School Shooting in Newtown, CT". White House Press Office (Press release). December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017.
- "Official with knowledge of Conn. school shooting: 27 dead, including 18 children". The Washington Post. Associated Press. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Siddiqui, Sabrina; Foley, Elise (December 14, 2012). "Obama on Connecticut Shooting: We Need 'Meaningful Action'". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- O'Brien, Michael (December 14, 2012). "An emotional Obama: 'They had their entire lives ahead of them'". NBC News. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- "Presidential Proclamation – Honoring the Victims of the Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut". White House Press Office (Press release). December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on January 21, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- "President Obama To Visit Newtown Sunday". Hartford Courant. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- "Conn. Governor: 'evil visited this community'". AOL. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- "Hundreds pack Conn. church for vigil after rampage". CBS News. Associated Press. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- Moore, Martha (December 14, 2012). "Hundreds pack Conn. churches after rampage". USA Today. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- McCarthy, Tom (December 17, 2012). "Newtown shooting: funerals to be held for victims". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on September 4, 2013. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
- "Children and adults gunned down in Connecticut school massacre". CNN. December 14, 2012. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- "Peter Lanza Statement: Father Of Adam Lanza Says, 'We Too Are Asking Why'". Huffington Post. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 16, 2012.
- "World leaders express shock over Connecticut shooting". Agence France-Presse. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- "Obama to honor 6 dead Sandy Hook teachers, administrators with Presidential Citizens Medal". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 30, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
- "Remarks by the President at Presentation of 2012 Presidential Citizens Medals". whitehouse.gov. February 15, 2013. Archived from the original on January 27, 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2016 – via National Archives.
- Bennett, Dashiell (December 18, 2012). "Newtown Conspiracy Theories, Debunked". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
- * Steinhauer, Jennifer (January 24, 2013). "Senator Unveils Bill to Limit Semiautomatic Arms". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 28, 2013. Retrieved January 28, 2013. * Vigdor, Neil (January 24, 2013). "State Police: All 26 Newtown victims shot with assault rifle". Connecticut Post. Archived from the original on May 9, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
- Bruce, Mary (December 14, 2012). "Petition Calls on White House to Address Gun Control". ABC News (blog). Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
- Wing, Nick (December 17, 2012). "White House Gun Control Petition Becomes Site's Most Popular Ever". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
- New, Catherine (December 14, 2012). "Anti-Gun Donations Surge After Connecticut Shooting". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- Shear, Michael D. (December 20, 2012). "Obama Vows Fast Action in New Push for Gun Control". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- Caldwell, Leigh Ann (December 19, 2012). "Obama sets up gun violence task force". CBS News. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- "Obama announces 23 executive actions, asks Congress to pass gun laws". CNN. January 16, 2013. Archived from the original on July 19, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- "President Obama's remarks on new gun control actions, Jan. 16, 2013 (Transcript)". The Washington Post (transcript). January 16, 2013. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
- Knox, Olivier (January 16, 2013). "Obama unveils sweeping plan to battle gun violence". Yahoo News (blog). Archived from the original on March 21, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- Sullivan, Sean (December 21, 2012). "Put armed guards in every school, NRA leader Wayne LaPierre says". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 22, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- Connor, Tracy; Isikoff, Michael (December 21, 2012). "Disbelief in some quarters after NRA calls for armed guards at every school, blames movies". NBC News. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- "Gabrielle Giffords launches gun control campaign". BBC. January 8, 2013. Archived from the original on September 25, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- Seiler, Casey (January 16, 2013). "New gun law offers reply to mass killings: State becomes the first in the nation to act after horror of Newtown, Conn". Times Union. Albany, New York. Archived from the original on April 17, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
- ^ "Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signs bill with gun-control laws among the toughest in nation". Daily News. April 4, 2013. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
- Lender, Jon; Altimari, Daniela; Wilson, Jenny (April 4, 2013). "Governor Signs Historic Gun Bill". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
- Mungin, Lateef; Brady, Brittany (April 4, 2013). "Connecticut governor signs sweeping gun measure". CNN. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
- "Connecticut Governor Signs Gun Measures". New York Times. Associated Press. April 4, 2013. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
- Pazniokas, Mark (January 30, 2014). "Federal judge upholds Sandy Hook gun law". Connecticut Mirror. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
- "Connecticut Governor Signs Gun Measures". The New York Times. Associated Press. April 4, 2013. Archived from the original on November 14, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
- Jackson, Alex (April 5, 2013). "Maryland lawmakers send landmark gun control bill to O'Malley's desk". Capital Gazette. Annapolis, Maryland. Archived from the original on April 7, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
- Hartmann, Margaret (April 4, 2013). "Post-Newtown, States Passed More Gun-Rights Laws, Not Restrictions". New York Magazine. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rev. Gary Hall, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy et al. (January 24, 2013). Assault Weapons Ban Bill (video). Washington, D.C.: National Cable Satellite Corporation. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
- Freedman, Dan (January 24, 2013). "Feinstein offers new assault weapons ban". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
- O'Keefe, Ed; Hamburger, Tom (April 10, 2013). "Key senators reach deal on background checks for gun buyers". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- Peterson, Kristina (April 10, 2013). "Senate in Deal on Gun Checks". Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- Weisman, Jonathan (April 17, 2013). "Senate Blocks Drive for Gun Control". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 8, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- Ferguson, Christopher J. (February 20, 2013). "Video games didn't cause Newtown rampage". CNN. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- Lohr, David (December 17, 2012). "Sandy Hook Blame Game: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- Ferguson, Christopher J. (December 20, 2012). "Sandy Hook Shooting: Video Games Blamed, Again". Time. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- Beekman, Daniel (December 21, 2012). "NRA blames video games like 'Kindergarten Killer' for Sandy Hook slaughter". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
- The November 2013 final report names the following video game series as having entries in Lanza's larger overall collection: Left 4 Dead, Metal Gear Solid, Dead Rising, Half Life, Battlefield, Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Shin Megami Tensei, Dynasty Warriors, Team Fortress, and Doom.
- Howitt, Dan (May 31, 2022). Sandy Hook Elementary. p. 309. ISBN 978-0-692-53889-0. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- Report of the Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p 98
- Report of the Office of Child Advocate Archived November 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, p.101.
- Bonner, Jeanne (December 14, 2021). "26 playgrounds honor the students and the teachers killed at Sandy Hook". CNN. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- ^ Nicks, Denver. "Sandy Hook Heals With New School Design After Shooting". Time. Archived from the original on April 3, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
- ^ Collins, Dave. "Newtown residents want gunman's house torn down". Yahoo! News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 4, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
- ^ "Site Work Begins For Construction Of New Sandy Hook School". CBS New York. October 22, 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
- "The New Sandy Hook School". Svigals + Partners. Archived from the original on November 1, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
- "Demolition Of Old Sandy Hook Elementary Will Be Kept Private Contractors Ordered To Sign Confidentiality Agreements During Process". CBS New York. Associated Press. October 15, 2013. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
- ^ Altimari, Dave (December 4, 2014). "Newtown Acquires Lanza House". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
- Katersky, Aaron (March 24, 2015). "School Shooter Adam Lanza's Newtown House Is Demolished". ABC News. ABC News. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
- Bever, Lindsey (January 22, 2015). "Newtown votes to raze home of mass murderer Adam Lanza". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- Katersky, Aaron (March 24, 2015). "School Shooter Adam Lanza's Newtown House is Demolished". ABC News. Archived from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
- "Sandy Hook victim Victoria Soto to have name trademarked to prevent abuse". The Guardian. Associated Press. February 11, 2015. Archived from the original on May 7, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
- "The new Sandy Hook school offers lesson on safety – The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- Furfaro, Hannah (July 29, 2016). "For Sandy Hook, a New Start". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on July 31, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- Shapiro, Emily (March 29, 2019). "After Sandy Hook dad's apparent suicide, wife says he 'succumbed to the grief that he could not escape'". ABC News (United States). Retrieved November 21, 2024.
- Kaye, Randi; Clifford, Anne; Clarke, Rachel (June 12, 2024). "'It's going to be heartbreaking:' Sandy Hook survivors get ready to graduate high school without the classmates they lost in 1st grade massacre". CNN. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
- "Sandy Hook shooting survivors take part in emotional high school grad ceremony". CBC. June 13, 2024. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
- ^ Taylor, Jim. "Construction To Begin At Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial August 23". www.newtownbee.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- "The sound of children playing told Newtown officials they had found a Sandy Hook memorial site". Connecticut Public. November 17, 2022. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
- Layne, Nathan (December 15, 2022). "'We choose love': Ten years after Sandy Hook shooting, town reflects on loss". Reuters. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
External links
- Quotations related to Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting at Wikiquote
- Sandy Hook Elementary School Official website (Archive)
- Final Report
- 28 Dead, Including 20 Children, After Shooting Rampage At Sandy Hook School In Newtown (via Wayback Machine)
Newtown, Connecticut | |
---|---|
Areas | |
Education | |
History | |
Sports | |
Landmarks |
Deadliest mass shootings in the United States | |
---|---|
| |
Death counts do not include deceased perpetrator(s). This navbox reflects information from this list. |
Mass shootings in the United States in the 2010s | |
---|---|
2010 |
|
2011 |
|
2012 |
|
2013 |
|
2014 |
|
2015 |
|
2016 |
|
2017 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
Part of mass shootings in the United States by time period (1980s and before, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s) |
- Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
- 2012 in Connecticut
- 2012 mass shootings in the United States
- 2012 murders in the United States
- Attacks on schools in 2012
- Child murder in the United States
- Deaths by firearm in Connecticut
- December 2012 crimes in the United States
- Elementary school killings in the United States
- Elementary school shootings in the United States
- Gun politics in the United States
- Mass murder in the United States in the 2010s
- Mass shootings in Connecticut
- Mass shootings in the United States
- Mass shootings involving AR-15–style rifles
- Mass shootings involving Glock pistols
- Mass shootings involving shotguns
- Massacres in 2012
- Massacres in the United States
- Matricides
- Murder–suicides in Connecticut
- Newtown, Connecticut
- Presidency of Barack Obama
- School massacres in the United States
- School shootings committed by pupils
- Spree shootings in the United States