Maryland Senator Ben Cardin issued the following the statement on Friday's tragic shooting in Newton, Connecticut.

"My prayers and thoughts of deep reflection are with all those shaken by the senseless and tragic events that took place in Newtown, Connecticut, today. Time and time again our national conscious has been rocked by tragic events such as this and time and time again we have rallied around those affected and emerged stronger. I am stricken with a sense of disbelief that such heinous attacks could be perpetrated against the most vulnerable and innocent Americans, especially in a place of learning."

Governor Martin O’Malley also issued a statement:

"The loss of innocent lives today in the shootings in Connecticut are tragic beyond words. Katie and I send our thoughts and prayers to those who lost loved ones in this heartbreaking tragedy.

"It's incomprehensible to even attempt to understand the pain these families are feeling today, especially the speechless pain of losing a child. We encourage everyone to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers."