Obama: US needs to take actions to prevent shooting
Updated: 2012-12-15 05:15
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
US President Barack Obama wipes a tear as he speaks about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, during a press briefing at the White House in Washington December 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies] |
WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Friday said the United States needs to take "meaningful action," regardless of politics, to prevent more tragedies in the wake of a deadly shooting rampage happening the same day in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, noting the country has seen too many shootings throughout the years.
In an emotional statement at the White House briefing room, Obama repeatedly wiped away tears as he spoke, saying the nation was "heartbroken" over the deaths of so many innocent children.
"The majority of those who died today were children, beautiful little kids between the ages of five and ten years old," said Obama. "They had their entire lives ahead of them, birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own."
Obama also ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds as a mark of respect for the victims.
- Relief reaches isolated village
- Rainfall poses new threats to quake-hit region
- Funerals begin for Boston bombing victims
- Quake takeaway from China's Air Force
- Obama celebrates young inventors at science fair
- Earth Day marked around the world
- Volunteer team helping students find sense of normalcy
- Ethnic groups quick to join rescue efforts
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Supplies pour into isolated villages |
All-out efforts to save lives |
American abroad |
Industry savior: Big boys' toys |
New commissioner
|
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
Today's Top News
Health new priority for quake zone
Xi meets US top military officer
Japan's boats driven out of Diaoyu
China mulls online shopping legislation
Bird flu death toll rises to 22
Putin appoints new ambassador to China
Japanese ships blocked from Diaoyu Islands
Inspired by Guan, more Chinese pick up golf
US Weekly
Beyond Yao
|
Money power |