Dozens Reported Dead in Connecticut Elementary School Shooting

Breaking News

By Stephen M. Silverman

12/14/2012 at 01:00 PM EST

State police personnel lead children from the Sandy Hook Elementary School

Shannon Hicks/Newtown Bee/Reuters/Landov

Only three days after a masked gunman opened fire in a busy Portland, Ore., shopping mall, a shooting broke out Friday morning at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., about 65 miles northeast of New York City.

The total number of fatalities is said to be 27, with at least 10 of those children, reports CNN.

One state official said that an adult gunman was believed to be dead, according to reports. CNN reports that one alleged shooter's body was discovered in a classroom, though it is not known if he died by his own hand, by police, or some other means.

Police are not commenting as the investigation continues, and a press conference planned for 1 p.m. ET has been delayed. Check back for more information as the story develops.

A young girl after being evacuated from Sandy Hook Elementary School

Michelle McLoughlin / Reuters / Landov

Early reports that there was a second gunman remain unconfirmed. Car-to-car searches in the area are taking place, reports ABC News.

The tragedy began just after 9:40 a.m., when police reported that a shooter was in the main office of Sandy Hook Elementary School. One person in a room suffered "numerous gunshot wounds," police told the Hartford Courant .

A photo taken on the scene shows students in distress being led away from the school by state police. Nearby Danbury Hospital, which is receiving victims of the shooting, is on lockdown, according to its Facebook page.

"Out of abundance of caution and not because of any direct threat Danbury Hospital is under lockdown," says the statement. "This allows us simply to focus on the important work at hand."

SWAT teams and ambulances are on the scene, according to state emergency management officials.

Also under lockdown are all of the area's schools. Newtown Public School District secretary of superintendent Kathy June said in a statement, "The district is taking preventive measures by putting all schools in lockdown until we ensure the safety of all students and staff."

In the Oregon shooting, masked gunman Jacob Roberts opened fire in a busy shopping mall. Two people were killed before Roberts turned the gun on himself.

Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Google / AP