Newton, CT (December 15, 2012): A horrendous act of violence took place today at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. According to reports a gunman appeared in the school building’s main office at around 9:30 am.
Latest reports pouring in indicate that 29 people are dead out of which 22 were children.
United Sikhs, a NGO, has strongly condemned this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. Even the thought of such a catastrophic incident could not be conceived with the holiday season underway – a time to spread love and do charity. With the nation still overcoming the grief of the Wisconsin shootings, this incident has added to the pain.
* Gruesome shooting in an elementary school in Newton, CT; 29 dead of which 22 were school children
* The shooter, 24 year old Ryan Lanza shot dead; was carrying 4 weapons and wore a bulletproof vest. He shot dead his mother who is a teacher in that school and fired at the children in her class
* Reports indicate that at least 100 rounds were fired
United Sikhs has requested the community members to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. We also request that children not be exposed to news images of the Newtown shooting. Disasters, whether human-made or natural, have a significant effect on the health and emotional well-being of children. Exposure to the traumatic event can result in fear, anxiety, or depression, and most of the time these reactions are within normal limits. The emotional responses of children can range from mild stress reactions that are resolved in a short period of time to more severe and long-term consequences of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
According to the United Sikhs a guide, “Helping Families Cope with Violence and Disaster” lists all the important aspects related to helping both individuals, as well as groups overcome trauma resulting from natural and manmade disasters. Children need to make sense of things that happen; their families can help them to understand, and to reestablish trust, hope, and a sense of security.