School shooting: Shattering the sense of safety

Moni Basu, CNN
Updated 1:27 PM EST, Sat December 15, 2012
Candles burn next to a lighted tree at a makeshift shrine in Newtown, Connecticut, commemorating the victims of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Candles burn next to a lighted tree at a makeshift shrine in Newtown, Connecticut, commemorating the victims of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Erica Simmons rings the campus bell at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, during a nationwide commemoration December 21, marking a week since the Newtown, Connecticut, mass shooting. Church bells rang out across the country at 9:30 ET Friday to remember those who died in the gun rampage.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Erica Simmons rings the campus bell at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, during a nationwide commemoration December 21, marking a week since the Newtown, Connecticut, mass shooting. Church bells rang out across the country at 9:30 ET Friday to remember those who died in the gun rampage.
ERIK S. LESSER/epa/LANDOV
A woman pauses at a streetside memorial during a moment of silence on December 21 in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A woman pauses at a streetside memorial during a moment of silence on December 21 in Newtown.
John Moore/Getty Images
Connecticut State Police block the road to Sandy Hook Elementary School during a moment of silence on December 21. A week ago, a gunman forced his way into the school and shot and killed 26 people, including 20 children.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Connecticut State Police block the road to Sandy Hook Elementary School during a moment of silence on December 21. A week ago, a gunman forced his way into the school and shot and killed 26 people, including 20 children.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
A woman bows her head in Newtown's Sandy Hook village on December 21.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A woman bows her head in Newtown's Sandy Hook village on December 21.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images
People observe a moment of silence for the school shooting victims at the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown on December 21.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People observe a moment of silence for the school shooting victims at the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown on December 21.
ERIC THAYER/REUTERS/LANDOV
Children in Newtown, excluding Sandy Hook Elementary, return to classes on Tuesday, December 18, four days after the shooting at the elementary school.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Children in Newtown, excluding Sandy Hook Elementary, return to classes on Tuesday, December 18, four days after the shooting at the elementary school.
John Moore/Getty Images
U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, holds a news conference with the Brady Campaign to discuss gun violence. In attendance with the Brady Campaign were several survivors of gun violence and family members of victims of gun violence.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, holds a news conference with the Brady Campaign to discuss gun violence. In attendance with the Brady Campaign were several survivors of gun violence and family members of victims of gun violence.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Members of the human rights group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption light candles showing the names of those killed during the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, during a prayer vigil in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines on December 18.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Members of the human rights group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption light candles showing the names of those killed during the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, during a prayer vigil in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines on December 18.
NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images
Children light candles to pay their respects to the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting at the main square in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, December 17. The deadly gun rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School has provoked strong reactions from around the world.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Children light candles to pay their respects to the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting at the main square in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, December 17. The deadly gun rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School has provoked strong reactions from around the world.
GENT SHKULLAKU/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters march on the National Rifle Association's Capitol Hill lobbyist offices in Washington on December 17.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Protesters march on the National Rifle Association's Capitol Hill lobbyist offices in Washington on December 17.
PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks out for stronger gun control at a press conference at City Hall on December 17. Bloomberg, co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, was joined by victims and survivors of gun violence.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks out for stronger gun control at a press conference at City Hall on December 17. Bloomberg, co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, was joined by victims and survivors of gun violence.
John Moore/Getty Images
Chris Foye, whose son Chris Owens was killed by a stray bullet in 2009, stands with other survivors and family members of gun violence at Bloomberg's press conference on December 17 in New York.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Chris Foye, whose son Chris Owens was killed by a stray bullet in 2009, stands with other survivors and family members of gun violence at Bloomberg's press conference on December 17 in New York.
John Moore/Getty Images
People pay their respects on December 17 at a makeshift shrine in Newtown to the victims of Friday's elementary school shooting. Funerals began Monday in the Connecticut town.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People pay their respects on December 17 at a makeshift shrine in Newtown to the victims of Friday's elementary school shooting. Funerals began Monday in the Connecticut town.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange hold a moment of silence on December 17 in honor of the shooting victims.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange hold a moment of silence on December 17 in honor of the shooting victims.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Young people mourn at Newtown High School before a memorial service attended by President Obama on Sunday, December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Young people mourn at Newtown High School before a memorial service attended by President Obama on Sunday, December 16.
Evelio Contreras/CNN
President Barack Obama waits to speak at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims from Sandy Hook Elementary School December 16 at Newtown High School.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
President Barack Obama waits to speak at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims from Sandy Hook Elementary School December 16 at Newtown High School.
Olivier Douliery/Getty Images
Mourners comfort one another December 16 before U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Mourners comfort one another December 16 before U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims.
Olivier Douliery/Getty Images
Two women embrace before the interfaith vigil at Newtown High School on Sunday evening.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Two women embrace before the interfaith vigil at Newtown High School on Sunday evening.
Olivier Douliery/Getty Images
From left: Newtown residents Claire Swanson, Kate Suba, Jaden Albrecht, Simran Chand and New London, Connecticut, residents Rachel Pullen and her son, Landon DeCecco, hold candles at a memorial for victims on Sunday, December 16, in Newtown, Connecticut.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
From left: Newtown residents Claire Swanson, Kate Suba, Jaden Albrecht, Simran Chand and New London, Connecticut, residents Rachel Pullen and her son, Landon DeCecco, hold candles at a memorial for victims on Sunday, December 16, in Newtown, Connecticut.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
A young boy walks past Christmas trees set up at a makeshift shrine to the shooting victims in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A young boy walks past Christmas trees set up at a makeshift shrine to the shooting victims in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 16.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Ty Diaz is kissed by his mother, Yvette, at a memorial down the street from Sandy Hook on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Ty Diaz is kissed by his mother, Yvette, at a memorial down the street from Sandy Hook on December 16.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Teddy bears, flowers and candles in memory of those killed are left at a memorial down the street from the school on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Teddy bears, flowers and candles in memory of those killed are left at a memorial down the street from the school on December 16.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Two teenagers embrace at a makeshift shrine to the victims in Newtown on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Two teenagers embrace at a makeshift shrine to the victims in Newtown on December 16.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Nuns pay their respects at a makeshift shrine to the victims on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Nuns pay their respects at a makeshift shrine to the victims on December 16.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Members of Sisters of Christian Charity go to lay flowers in front of the Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 16 in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Members of Sisters of Christian Charity go to lay flowers in front of the Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 16 in Newtown.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A woman receives a hug as she leaves morning service December 16 at Trinity Church in Newtown near the elementary school.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A woman receives a hug as she leaves morning service December 16 at Trinity Church in Newtown near the elementary school.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Parishioners pay their respects to the victims of the elementary school shooting while attending Mass at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Parishioners pay their respects to the victims of the elementary school shooting while attending Mass at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Police officers honor the victims of the school shooting at the St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church on December 16 in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Police officers honor the victims of the school shooting at the St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church on December 16 in Newtown.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a moment of silence in honor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims before their game against the Miami Dolphins on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a moment of silence in honor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims before their game against the Miami Dolphins on December 16.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
A parishioner kneels in front of a makeshift memorial at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A parishioner kneels in front of a makeshift memorial at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
A police officer removes flowers from a busy intersection on December 16 in Newtown. Police said they were afraid the memorial, left for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, would cause a traffic hazard.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A police officer removes flowers from a busy intersection on December 16 in Newtown. Police said they were afraid the memorial, left for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, would cause a traffic hazard.
DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
A woman hugs her daughter on the steps of Trinity Church on December 16 in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A woman hugs her daughter on the steps of Trinity Church on December 16 in Newtown.
DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
Angel wood cutouts for each of the 27 victims are set up on hillside in Newtown on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Angel wood cutouts for each of the 27 victims are set up on hillside in Newtown on December 16.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
People in Bangalore, India, hold cards and photographs of the slain at a candlelight vigil outside a Catholic church on December 16.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People in Bangalore, India, hold cards and photographs of the slain at a candlelight vigil outside a Catholic church on December 16.
EPA/STR /LANDOV
J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans shows his glove in remembrance of the victims before the start of a game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 16 in Houston.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans shows his glove in remembrance of the victims before the start of a game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 16 in Houston.
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Donna Soto, right, mother of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, hugs her daughter Karly while mourning their loss at a candlelight memorial at Stratford High School on Saturday, December 15, in Stratford, Connecticut.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Donna Soto, right, mother of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, hugs her daughter Karly while mourning their loss at a candlelight memorial at Stratford High School on Saturday, December 15, in Stratford, Connecticut.
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
Firefighters kneel to pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Firefighters kneel to pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown on Saturday.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
A child lights a candle at a memorial filled with flowers, stuffed toys and candles outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A child lights a candle at a memorial filled with flowers, stuffed toys and candles outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Saturday.
John Angelillo/UPI/LANDOV
Candles light up a memorial outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Candles light up a memorial outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown.
John Angelillo/UPI/LANDOV
Lucas, Kelly and Michael DaSilva pray and embrace at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Lucas, Kelly and Michael DaSilva pray and embrace at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
People are overcome with emotion Saturday at a makeshift memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People are overcome with emotion Saturday at a makeshift memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Residents arrive Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of an elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Residents arrive Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of an elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
A couple carry balloons to place at a curbside shrine to in Newtown on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A couple carry balloons to place at a curbside shrine to in Newtown on Saturday.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
A mother and daughter attend a prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church in Newtown on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A mother and daughter attend a prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church in Newtown on Saturday.
Flowers and signs of sympathy adorn the street leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Flowers and signs of sympathy adorn the street leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Claudia Urbiana and daughter Jocelyne Cardenas, left, hug outside of the entrance to the Sandy Hook school.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Claudia Urbiana and daughter Jocelyne Cardenas, left, hug outside of the entrance to the Sandy Hook school.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A makeshift memorial with flowers, stuffed toys and candles sit outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Connecticut, on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A makeshift memorial with flowers, stuffed toys and candles sit outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Connecticut, on Saturday.
JOSHUA LOTT/reuters/LANDOV
A man bows his head as he stands at a makeshift memorial, outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on Saturday, December 15.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A man bows his head as he stands at a makeshift memorial, outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on Saturday, December 15.
JOSHUA LOTT/reuters/LANDOV
New Jersey resident Steve Wruble, who was moved to drive out to Connecticut to support local residents, grieves for victims at the entrance to Sandy Hook village in Newtown on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
New Jersey resident Steve Wruble, who was moved to drive out to Connecticut to support local residents, grieves for victims at the entrance to Sandy Hook village in Newtown on Saturday.
ADREES LATIF/reuters/LANDOV
People attend a prayer service in Newtown on Saturday to reflect.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People attend a prayer service in Newtown on Saturday to reflect.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A mother hugs her children after paying tribute to the victims in Newtown on Saturday, December 15.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A mother hugs her children after paying tribute to the victims in Newtown on Saturday, December 15.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Newtown High School student Trevor Lopez stands outside of a church where residents have come to pray and reflect on Saturday
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Newtown High School student Trevor Lopez stands outside of a church where residents have come to pray and reflect on Saturday
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Andrea Jaeger places flowers and a candle at a makeshift memorial outside a firehouse near Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Andrea Jaeger places flowers and a candle at a makeshift memorial outside a firehouse near Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
The U.S. flag flies at half-staff above the White House on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
The U.S. flag flies at half-staff above the White House on Saturday.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
Ken Kowalsky and his daughter Rebecca, 13, embrace while standing at the end of the road leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Ken Kowalsky and his daughter Rebecca, 13, embrace while standing at the end of the road leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday.
JUSTIN LANE/epa/LANDOV
A woman puts a flower near crosses planted by Rio de Paz (Rio of Peace), in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A woman puts a flower near crosses planted by Rio de Paz (Rio of Peace), in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
SERGIO MORAES/reuters/LANDOV
A woman sits during a service at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday, December 14.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
A woman sits during a service at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday, December 14.
Michael McAndrews/Hartford Courant/MCT via Getty Images
Fans at the NBA game between the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns participate in a moment of silence for the victims of the Newtown shooting on Friday in Phoenix.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Fans at the NBA game between the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns participate in a moment of silence for the victims of the Newtown shooting on Friday in Phoenix.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
An overflow crowd listens to a church service held at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on December 14.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
An overflow crowd listens to a church service held at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on December 14.
Andrew Lichtenstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church on Friday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church on Friday.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
People gather for a vigil outside the White House in Washington following the Connecticut elementary school shooting on Friday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People gather for a vigil outside the White House in Washington following the Connecticut elementary school shooting on Friday.
MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images
Candles burn as people gather for a vigil outside the White House.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Candles burn as people gather for a vigil outside the White House.
MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images
Hartford, Connecticut, Mayor Padro Segarra speaks emotionally about the students and teachers who died earlier in the day at Sandy Hook Elementary School in nearby Newtown at a candlelight vigil at Bushnell Park in Hartford on Friday.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Hartford, Connecticut, Mayor Padro Segarra speaks emotionally about the students and teachers who died earlier in the day at Sandy Hook Elementary School in nearby Newtown at a candlelight vigil at Bushnell Park in Hartford on Friday.
Michael McAndrews/Hartford Courant/MCT/getty images
Cynthia Alvarez is comforted by her mother, Lilia, as people gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
Cynthia Alvarez is comforted by her mother, Lilia, as people gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church in Newtown.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church in Newtown.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church.
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church.
People gather inside the St. Rose Church to remember the shooting victims on Friday
Reaction to Newtown school killings —
People gather inside the St. Rose Church to remember the shooting victims on Friday
Andrew Gombert/Getty Images