Many Maryland officials in government and education have expressed shock and sadness at the horrific Connecticut school shooting Friday.

Senator Ben Cardin issued a statement saying, “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.”

Superintendent Kevin Maxwell, Board of Education President Andrew Pruski, and the leaders of Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ four employee bargaining units issued a statement saying, “The horrific mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school has stoked fear in the hearts of every parent, child, teacher, and school system employee. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved.”

In a statement, Dr. Dallas Dance, Baltimore County Schools Superintendent, said, “On behalf of Baltimore County Public Schools, I send our heartfelt sympathy to all the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School who are mourning the loss of life of their children and loved ones. We are saddened and outraged by the tragedy.”