BP Markowitz Releases Statement on Mass School Shooting in CT

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz has released the following statement on today's mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

"All of Brooklyn joins the nation and the world in mourning the loss of so many innocents at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and we pray for the full recovery of those wounded. Over the coming hours, days and weeks, more information will be revealed about the shootings, the deranged individual who committed them, and the weapons he used.

"Unfortunately, it always takes a senseless tragedy like this-and too many others like it-for Americans to stand up and take notice of our nation's ongoing love affair with guns, and the critical need for national gun control. Yet it seems as if no tragedy is horrific enough to get federal lawmakers to put aside their philosophical differences, say enough is enough, and do what's right to safeguard the safety and welfare of the American people. The time for idle talk is over. If not now-after the deaths of children as young as five in a suburban elementary school-then when? We neEd Strong leaders in Congress to stand up to the gun lobby. We need lawmakers with the courage of conviction and the strength to follow through. We need determined voices in this fight to take back our streets and our schools. We cannot be held hostage-literally or figuratively-by gun-wielding madmen or the lobbyists that keep them armed.

"As a society we also need to take a close, hard look at why these senseless massacres continue to happen, threatening the security of all Americans-even in schools, where we send our children each day to be safe. There will be plenty of time to discuss these critical issues, but for now our thoughts and prayers must remain with those who lost a child or loved one today, during what is supposed to be the most joyous time of the year."