Senator Collins Comments on the Elementary School Shooting and Gun Control

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement regarding the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut:

"I am just sickened by the horrific tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut.  My heart is filled with sorrow for the victims, particularly the little children whose lives were cut short, for their loved ones who are enduring unspeakable grief, and for the entire community, which is struggling to comprehend this shocking act of violence.


"This is yet another mass murder that our country has experienced far too often.  We are still learning the details of the murderer who cut short the lives of 20 little children and seven adults and caused such terrible suffering and unspeakable grief for their families and their community.  While we may never know why the shooter killed so many people and himself, we must strive to better understand the multiple causes of such horrific violence.

"Since the shootings, some have called for stricter gun laws.  While denying the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens won't change the behavior of those intent on using firearms for criminal purposes, I wholeheartedly agree that we must examine what can be done to help prevent gun violence.   I grew up in northern Maine where responsible gun ownership is part of the heritage of many families, and Connecticut has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country.  Nevertheless, we should examine, among other issues, whether states are reporting data on mentally ill individuals found to be a danger to themselves or others to the national background check database designed to prevent gun purchases by such individuals.  During my tenure in the Senate, I have voted for instant background checks, which are designed to prevent individuals with criminal records or serious mental illness from purchasing guns.  I also supported an extension of the assault weapon ban when it expired in 2004.

"As was the case in the Connecticut, Colorado, and Arizona shootings, mental illness is a salient factor in many of these tragedies.  We must also have a national dialogue about mental illness and determine how we as a society can better identify and care for troubled individuals who pose a threat to themselves and others.  We should also take a deeper look at the possible role of the glorification of violence in our media while at the same time respecting First Amendment rights."

The President at Sandy Hook Interfaith Prayer Vigil

To all the families, first responders, to the community of Newtown, clergy, guests -- Scripture tells us:  “…do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away…inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

We gather here in memory of twenty beautiful children and six remarkable adults.  They lost their lives in a school that could have been any school; in a quiet town full of good and decent people that could be any town in America.

Here in Newtown, I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation.  I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts.  I can only hope it helps for you to know that you’re not alone in your grief; that our world too has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you, we’ve pulled our children tight.  And you must know that whatever measure of comfort we can provide, we will provide; whatever portion of sadness that we can share with you to ease this heavy load, we will gladly bear it.  Newtown -- you are not alone.

As these difficult days have unfolded, you’ve also inspired us with stories of strength and resolve and sacrifice.  We know that when danger arrived in the halls of Sandy Hook Elementary, the school’s staff did not flinch, they did not hesitate.  Dawn Hochsprung and Mary Sherlach, Vicki Soto, Lauren Rousseau, Rachel Davino and Anne Marie Murphy -- they responded as we all hope we might respond in such terrifying circumstances -- with courage and with love, giving their lives to protect the children in their care.

We know that there were other teachers who barricaded themselves inside classrooms, and kept steady through it all, and reassured their students by saying “wait for the good guys, they’re coming”; “show me your smile.”

And we know that good guys came.  The first responders who raced to the scene, helping to guide those in harm’s way to safety, and comfort those in need, holding at bay their own shock and trauma because they had a job to do, and others needed them more.

And then there were the scenes of the schoolchildren, helping one another, holding each other, dutifully following instructions in the way that young children sometimes do; one child even trying to encourage a grown-up by saying, “I know karate.  So it’s okay.  I’ll lead the way out.”  (Laughter.)

As a community, you’ve inspired us, Newtown.  In the face of indescribable violence, in the face of unconscionable evil, you’ve looked out for each other, and you’ve cared for one another, and you’ve loved one another.  This is how Newtown will be remembered.  And with time, and God’s grace, that love will see you through.

President Obama Travels To Connecticut Sunday December 16th

Rocky Coast News has just learned that President Obama will be traveling to Newtown, Connecticut to attend a memorial service for those lost yesterday in the Sandy Hook Elementary.

Press Secretary says, Tomorrow evening, the President will travel to Newtown, CT to meet with the families of those who were lost and thank first responders.  The President will also speak at an interfaith vigil for families of the victims as well as families from Sandy Hook Elementary School scheduled for 7PM EST.  More details will be released as they are available.