UPDATE: Several facts have been disputed since this story was originally published. Initial reports claimed that Adam Lanza’s mother, Nancy, the first victim of the shooting spree, was affiliated with Sandy Hook Elementary School though now it’s doubtful she had any connection to the school at all. Reports also started circulating that the shooter had been involved in some sort of altercation with adults at the school on Thursday, Dec. 13, the day before the shooting. Reports of the alleged altercation are also being called into question at this time. As always with complicated events such as this, new details and clarity emerge as the investigation continues. — Eds.

On Dec. 14 at 9:31 a.m., Connecticut State Police got the shocking call that there had been a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. As police converged on the school, they soon discovered that 26-six people were killed at the school, including 20 children, most of them six- and seven-years-old. (Two of those children died at the hospital.) Authorities say that most of the victims were shot multiple times from a semiautomatic rifle. (Apparently that weapon was legally registered to the shooter’s mother, as were the two handguns.)

That morning, 20-year-old Adam Lanza arrived at the school, armed with three weapons, wearing black military gear including a bullet-proof vest. News reports indicate that he had previously killed his mother, Nancy, 52, at their home, then drove to the school to continue the violence. Authorities say he shot through the school’s locked doors to gain entry. The principal, who confronted Lanza at the school entrance, was among the adults killed at the school. A motive for this horrific event has not yet been established. By the time authorities arrived at the school, the shooter had committed suicide.

The shootings took place at two classrooms in the school, in which students, mostly forst graders, and teachers were killed.

This is the nation’s second-deadliest school shooting, at a school which includes 700 students in grades K-4. Newtown, which is 60 miles northeast of New York City, has been shaken by this horrific event, and nearby schools and Danbury Hospital are on lockdown as a precaution.

When North senior Kari Ross first heard about the shooting, she was horrified. “I think the news came as a complete shock for everyone, and the saddest part is that majority of the innocent victims were so young. Such a horrible thing happening at a place where kids are supposed to feel safe is unthinkable,” Ross said.

In an email to faculty and staff, North Principal Ryan McTague said, “Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our students and staff.  Tragic events like this remind us that we must always remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious or threatening behavior to a school administrator or security personnel. ”

McTague also sent a letter to parents, offering counseling to any students who might be emotionally affected by the tragedy. “Our number one priority is the safety and security of our students and staff,” he wrote.

The school’s flags now fly at half-staff, in memory of the victims.

{Due to the extensive scope of the crime and the crime scenes in Newtown, evidence and information is still being uncovered.}