A terrible tragedy took place at an elementary school in Newtown, CT. A school shooting left at least 27 people dead, including 18 children (according to an MSNBC count to date). In the face of such an unimaginable event, state police delivered a news conference to update the public.

The news conference begins (at least what we see here), with an explanation of why the CT state governor isn't present at the conference.

Next, the lieutenant explained what happened, with a focus on safety. He also acknowledged fatalities but said that more information was not being released. In most situations like this, the priority is on notifying families: no one wants to hear on TV that a loved one has been killed.

The conference ends with promises for updates and assurance that "the public is not in danger."

Discussion Starters:

• This news conference is very soon: how well did the police handle the news? 
• What are the most important points that the police want people to know at this point? To what extent did they accomplish these objectives?