PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on today’s shooting tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut:

“This is an unfathomable tragedy and it is a national tragedy.  The entire town of Newtown, Connecticut is in our thoughts and prayers.  Their loss is profound and words alone cannot express the impact of today’s heartbreak.  We must begin to have a real national conversation about a number of issues as to why we are seeing these horrible acts and what we can do to prevent them.  I want to thank the brave teachers, administrators, and first responders who did everything they could to save innocent children today.  Congress needs to work together to do everything we can to prevent this type of recurring violence.”