Jerrold Nadler: If now isn't time to talk control, 'I don't know when is'

Young children wait outside Sandy Hook Elementary School after a shooting killed a reported 18 of their schoolmates. Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York has issued a statement in response to the shooting of 18 elementary schoolchildren and eight or nine other people in Newtown, Connecticut:

I am absolutely horrified by news of the cold-blooded shooting of dozens of children in Newtown, Connecticut. Yet another unstable person has gotten access to firearms and committed an unspeakable crime against innocent children. We cannot simply accept this as a routine product of modern American life. If now is not the time to have a serious discussion about gun control and the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our society, I don't know when is.  How many more Columbines and Newtowns must we live through? I am challenging President Obama, the Congress, and the American public to act on our outrage and, finally, do something about this.'

Rep. Ron Barber:

Rep. Ron Barber (D-Ariz.)
"Today's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. is a devastating loss for the families, the people of that community and for all Americans," said Rep. Ron Barber (D-Ariz.), who was wounded in the Tucson, Arizona shootings. "It is especially painful because it took place in classrooms where children should feel safe as they grow and learn. As those of us in Tucson know, senseless acts such as these tear at the very fabric of a community. In times like this, we come together to support each other. To the people of Newtown, we are with you today and in the days, weeks and months ahead.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those who were killed or injured today as well as to the first responders, law enforcement personnel and medical teams who are treating the victims.

All of Tucson and Southern Arizona as well as the entire nation stand with the people of Newtown."

Praying that kids, teachers, staff, and families reach safety on this tragic morning at Sandy Hook Elementary
' @ChrisMurphyCT via web My thoughts & prayers are with the Sandy Hook Elementary & #Newtown community on this tragic day. Hoping for safety of students & teachers
' @SenBlumenthal via web Gov. Malloy will hold a news conference at 3:30pm at Treadwell Park in #Newtown
' @GovMalloyOffice via web

12:00 PM PT: Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) who represents #Newtown : As father to 2 young girls, I don't know how life would go on after the murder of my child..
— @ChadPergram via web