The gunman who massacred 26 children and adults at a US school forced his way in, the police said Saturday, as a stunned world asked how a 20-year-old described as brilliant but remote would have been driven to such a crime and how he chose his victims, some of whom as young as five.
Investigators were trying to learn more about the gunman, Adam Lanza, who witnesses said didn’t say a word as he burst into a classroom, shooting, and later killed himself.
Lanza shot his mother, Nancy Lanza, drove to the school in her car and shot up two classrooms around 9.30 am Friday.
A law enforcement official said a Glock and a Sig Sauer, both pistols, and a .223-calibre Bushmaster rifle were found in the school and a fourth weapon was found outside the school.
“The majority of those who died were children — beautiful little kids between the ages of five and 10 years old,” US President Barack Obama told a White House news briefing.
Mr Obama paused for several seconds to keep his composure and wiped an eye. Nearby, two aides cried and held hands.