The White House said Friday that President Obama has "enormous sympathy" for the families that have been affected by the deadly mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school.
Authorities say at least 26 people, including 18 children, were killed Friday when a gunman clad in black military gear opened fire inside the school. According to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, Obama was briefed on the shooting Friday morning by counterterrorism adviser John Brennan and is continuing to receive regular updates.
"I know the president, as a father, does, and I as a father, and others who are parents certainly do, which is to feel enormous sympathy for families that are affected and to do everything we can to support state and local law enforcement and to support those who are enduring what appears to be a very tragic event," Carney said.
He said incidents like this "weigh heavily" on the president. Carney said Obama may speak about the tragedy after more is known about what happened -- he said Obama has spoken with Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy to express his condolences.
The White House also said the FBI is supporting state and local law enforcement officials in Connecticut as they respond to and investigate the incident.
Carney wouldn't say whether the shooting would make gun control a higher priority on the president's agenda, but he said there would be a day for discussion on that policy issue.
"But I don't think today is that day," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Authorities say at least 26 people, including 18 children, were killed Friday when a gunman clad in black military gear opened fire inside the school. According to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, Obama was briefed on the shooting Friday morning by counterterrorism adviser John Brennan and is continuing to receive regular updates.
"I know the president, as a father, does, and I as a father, and others who are parents certainly do, which is to feel enormous sympathy for families that are affected and to do everything we can to support state and local law enforcement and to support those who are enduring what appears to be a very tragic event," Carney said.
He said incidents like this "weigh heavily" on the president. Carney said Obama may speak about the tragedy after more is known about what happened -- he said Obama has spoken with Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy to express his condolences.
The White House also said the FBI is supporting state and local law enforcement officials in Connecticut as they respond to and investigate the incident.
Carney wouldn't say whether the shooting would make gun control a higher priority on the president's agenda, but he said there would be a day for discussion on that policy issue.
"But I don't think today is that day," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.