New England lawmakers took to social media Wednesday afternoon to share their reactions to the horrific school shooting in at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left at least 17 people dead and many injured.
"Boston's heart breaks as we support Florida during this horrific time," Mayor Marty Walsh said. "My thoughts and prayers are with each and every person suffering from this tragedy. Our children, our schools, and our families should never have to experience this devastation and loss."
Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton invited President Trump to take action on gun control.
"Heartbreaking news from Florida," Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed said. "Yet another community in America is experiencing the shock of a crime that should not be possible anywhere in the world. Grateful to the brave & reliable first responders on the scene."
"Horrified by the news of the school shooting in Florida," Maine Sen. Susan Collins said. "Grateful for first responders' action to protect & help students, school employees, & all those in the community."
"Learning of the tragic events unfolding at a Florida high school and keeping all of the students, teachers, and their families in our thoughts," added Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. "We, in Congress, must do better to prevent these horrific tragedies that happen too often."
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"Saddened and frustrated by the images coming out of Parkland," Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said. "Keeping these students & their families in my thoughts. This is not normal."
"No. Not again," said Connecticut Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty.
"The events in Parkland are hitting far too close to home. I'm sick for the students. I'm sick for their parents. I'm sick for the community, for the first responders who once again are forced to treat an American school as a war zone... We think of America as an exceptional country. We are - we are the exception to the rule that mass shootings do not occur in schools, churches, concerts, and other public locations on an alarmingly regular basis. I was on a phone call this afternoon when I looked up to see images of children running out of schools, hiding under desks, and walking past armored vehicles parked outside their school. I am beyond sick. Nobody should want this for our country. No one."
"Closely following reports of a school shooting in Parkland, Florida – my thoughts are with the victims, loved ones, and all affected," Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal said. "Thankful for the swift action of courageous first responders on scene."
"My heart goes out to the Parkland community as they endure this horrific tragedy," New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said. "We cannot allow this to continue to be the status quo. Congress has a responsibility to take action and help keep guns out of the wrong hands."
"Oh no. Again," said Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy. "Sending every good thought I have to Parkland right now."
"Another horrific shooting. Another unspeakable horror," Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said. "My thoughts are with everyone at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after this terrible day. Maybe, just maybe, after 18 school shootings in America in just 43 days of 2018 the Congress might want to consider common-sense gun safety legislation and save innocent lives."
