Father of US school shooter expresses shock

A sign on a post shows support for the victims of a gunman who opened fire inside Sandy Hook Elementary School a day earlier as police officers stand at a road block, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, in Sandy Hook village of Newtown, Connecticut. AP/Julio Cortez

NEWTOWN, Connecticut – The father of the 20-year-old US man who is thought to have killed 26 people including 20 young children along with his own mother expressed grief and shock Saturday.

Peter Lanza is the father of Adam Lanza, who is thought to have taken his own life shortly after carrying out Friday’s massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. He released a statement to WFSB television in Connecticut.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends who lost loved ones and to all those who were injured. Our family is grieving along with all those who have been affected by this enormous tragedy,” the statement said.

“No words can truly express how heartbroken we are. We are in a state of disbelief in trying to find whatever answers we can,” it continued.

“We, too, are asking why. We have cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so. Like so many of you, we are saddened and struggling to make sense of what has transpired.”

Lanza was divorced from Adam’s mother Nancy. Adam lived with his mother in Newtown, and she is thought to have been his first victim before he set off for the school.

The slain mother owned a registered collection of guns, including those used in the attack.