City Council: 'Our Hearts Are Broken' for Newtown, CT

Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney A. Katz and members of the City Council say they were stunned by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings and want to minimize risk of such violence locally.

Officials used part of Monday night's meeting to reflect on the tragedy in what they said was a small, quiet town, much like Gaithersburg.

"As a municpal official, there are just some events that cut deeper, and snap you to numbness...this was one of those," Council Member Jud Ashman said. "Our thoughts and prayers go to them."

"Obviously all of our hearts are broken for the community of Newtown, CT," City Council Vice President Ryan Spiegel said.

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Spiegel said he came to City Hall on Friday to speak with staff members after hearing that 26 people, including 20 children, were killed Friday morning in Newtown.

Spiegel stopped short of taking a stance on gun control but said he already has asked the City Attorney to work with him in the coming weeks to strengthen city laws.

"As public officials, there's really no greater responsibility that we're entrusted with than the safety of our communities...those of us in position need to consider what we can do to minimize risks," Spiegel said.

Council Member Mike Sesma compared Newtown to Gaithersburg, calling it a small, peaceful and safe town. He said the issue is "not just dealing with violent behavior but also dealing with [mental illness]." People need to be able to recognize the signs and help those suffering from mental illness get support from the proper facilities and experts, Sesma said.

In conjunction with the state government, Gaithersburg Friday lowered flags to half staff to honor the victims, Spiegel said.

Katz opened the mayor and City Council meeting with a moment of silence, saying he would keep the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting — along with the recently deceased mother of Sesma — in his thoughts and prayers.