Families of the victims of the tragic Dec. 14 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, in which 20 children and 6 adults were murdered, were stunned after the U. S. Senate rejected important measures that would have implemented stricter gun sale laws and regulations, on April 17.

Tougher Gun Control Laws Blocked — Newtown Families Angry

Mark Barden, whose son Daniel, 7, was gunned down during the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre on Dec. 14, introduced President Barack Obama during a White House press conference, and the grieving father was visibly upset and disappointed.

He recounted how he and other Newtown families had met with Democratic and Republican members of the Senate, and had shared with them pictures of their loved ones as they lobbied for the new measures. Mark vehemently pointed out that since 90 percent of Americans supported the proposal for stricter gun laws, the U.S. Senate had disregarded the wishes of the American people. However, he vowed not to give up the fight to protect America’s children from gun violence:

“We return home now disappointed, but not defeated. We return home with the determination that change will happen. Maybe not today, but it will happen. It will happen soon … our hearts are broken. Our spirit is not.”

Erica Lafferty, the daughter of Dawn Lafferty, the principal who was died trying to defend her Sandy Hook students, described her anger and frustration to CNN :

The next time there’s a mass shooting and they’re asked what they did to prevent it, they’re going to have to say nothing.

President Barack Obama Angry Over Blocked Gun Control Measures

The president was also visibly upset when he took to the podium to deliver his speech.

“This was a pretty shameful day for Washington. If action by Congress could have saved one person, one child, a few hundred, a few thousand — if it prevented those people from losing their lives to gun violence in the future while preserving our Second Amendment rights, we had an obligation to try. This legislation met that test. And too many senators failed theirs.”

He didn’t mince words, criticizing the senators who voted against the new measures to promote stricter gun laws, and he pointedly addressed the National Rifle Association, which lobbied strongly against the measures, adding,

“The gun lobby and its allies willfully lied about the bill.”

What do YOU think about the gun control measures being blocked, HollyMoms?

More Gun Control News:

1. Newtown Parents Gather In D.C. To Lobby For Stricter Gun Laws
2. Connecticuit Passes Strictest Gun Legislation In Country After Sandy Hook
3. Newtown Parents Cry Out To Congress: Pass Assault Weapons Ban

The families of Newtown shooting victims, who experienced unspeakable tragedy when 20 children and six adults were killed during the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, suffered again on April 15 during the Boston Marathon after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the race, especially since the Newtown families were reportedly seated in the VIP section near the end of the race, according to The Atlantic Wire.

Last Mile Of Boston Marathon Dedicated To Newtown Families

Mile 26, the last mile, of the Boston Marathon was dedicated to the families of Newtown in honor of the 26 lives lost during the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on April 11, just days before the iconic race. A moment of silence — 26 seconds — was also held before the marathon in honor of the victims.

The families of Newtown were also reportedly seated in the VIP section of the race, which was near the end of the finish line — right where the explosions went off.

Boston Marathon Bombing: 2 Dead, 100 Injured

On April 15 during the annual Boston Marathon, two explosions went off near the finish line, and nearly 100 people were injured. Two people died, and several more are in the hospital.

Boston is essentially on lockdown, and flights are not entering or leaving the city. Cell phone service was suspended in the entire city to prevent any more explosives from being detonated.

WATCH: Boston Marathon Blast Two Bomb Explosions at Finish Line

– Christina Stiehl

More Boston Marathon Bombing News:

1. Boston Marathon Bombs: New Devices Found In Local Hotels
2. Joe Biden: Vice President Calls Boston Marathon Explosions A ‘Bombing’
3. Boston Marathon Explosions: Police Cite Possible Terrorist Attack

A relative of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter, Adam Lanza, calls him a “sick boy” speaking with the Daily News. But the relative also asserts that Adam was viciously and mercilessly abused by his classmates to the point that his mother actually considered taking legal action.

Adam Lanza: Bullied So Bad Mother Considered Suing

Adam was brutally beaten and taunted at Sandy Hook Elementary as a boy, and Nancy Lanza believed that the school’s teachers and administrators were turning a blind eye to the abuse, a relative said in an interview with the Daily News.

The matter became so serious that she considered suing the school: “Nancy felt fiercely protective of him. She was convinced the school wasn’t doing enough to protect Adam. It made her irate,” the relative says.

The relative continued, “Adam would come home with bruises all over his body,” the relative said. “His mom would ask him what was wrong, and he wouldn’t say anything. He would just sit there.”

Sandy Hook Shooting: Was Adam Lanza Taking Revenge?

In another interview by the Daily News with Martin LaFontaine, one of Nancy’s former friends, he suggested that Adam’s horrible slaughter in Newtown, Conn. was directly related to his experiences of being bullied in school: “I think Adam felt betrayed by the school and this was his act of revenge,” he stated.

Though it’s no justification for doing what Adam did, the severity of the bullying Adam seemed to suffer and the trauma he likely experienced because of it may have influenced the person he grew up to be. But harping on what could have been done for Adam is now a moot point — we can only know use it as a lesson on the dangers of school bullying, and the importance of guiding troubled children.

– Andrew Gruttadaro

More Sandy Hook News:

1. Sandy Hook Killer: Saw School Children As Easiest To Kill
2. President Obama Tears Up During State Of The Union Plea For Sandy Hook Parents
3. Sandy Hook Elementary Choir Will Perform At Grammys Pre-Show

Francine Wheeler, the mother of a six-year-old who was devastatingly murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School, filled in for President Obama on his radio and internet address to submit the most touching plea for gun control we’ve seen yet.

Newtown Mom: ‘Help Us Do Something’

With her husband, David, by her side, Francine delivered an extremely moving speech detailing her family’s traumatic experiences and then begging lawmakers to not let something like Sandy Hook ever happen again.

While fighting off tears, Francine said, “I’m at the White House today, because I want to make a difference and I hope you will join me.”

“I’ve heard people say that the tidal wave of anguish our country felt on 12/14 has receded, but not for us. To us it feels as if it happened just yesterday. And in the four months since we lost our loved ones, thousands of other Americans have died at the end of a gun. Thousands of other families across the United States are also drowning in our grief.”

Francine then begged, “Please, help us do something before our tragedy becomes your tragedy” and strongly pleaded for stricter gun control, saying, “We have to convince the Senate to come together and pass common sense gun responsibility reforms.”

Francine Wheeler Remembers Her Son

While wearing a green pin in honor of Sandy Hook and begging for gun control, Francine also spoke touchingly in remembrance of her son, Ben. “Ben’s love of fun and his excitement at the wonders of life were unmatched,” the proud mother said. “His boundless energy kept him running across the soccer field long after the game was over. And he couldn’t wait to get to school every morning.”

Francine bravely stated that she is compelled to stand up for what’s right in the name of her slain son: “I feel Ben’s presence filling me with courage for what I have to do, for him and all the others taken from us so violently and too soon.”

We are so proud of Francine for overcoming unimaginable grief to deliver such an eloquent, moving speech. Her plea will not fall on deaf ears, and we truly hope that it moves people to action.

WATCH: Sandy Hook Mother’s Heartbreaking Plea For Gun Control In The US

– Andrew Gruttadaro

More Sandy Hook News:

1. Connecticuit Passes Strictest Gun Legislation In Country After Sandy Hook
2. Sandy Hook Mom Reveals Daughter’s Trauma After Surviving Massacre
3. Parents Of Newtown Victim Meet With Shooter Adam Lanza’s Father

Parents and loved ones of those killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Dec. 14, are using Facebook to address their disdain for Glee’s school shooting episode on April 11. Some are claiming it was in bad taste, while others are saying it’s way too soon.

‘Glee’ School Shooting Episode

After gunshots are heard in the harrowing April 11 episode, Will tells his students, “Start texting, tweeting. Let everyone know what’s going on. But don’t tell them we’re here. Shooters have smart phones too.” Will and his students hole themselves up in the choir room, hoping not to attract the shooter.

Producers of Glee insist that the episode was written well before 20 children and six adults were shot and killed by Adam Lanza on December 14. But parents and loved ones of Newtown don’t care when it was written. They’re more focused on when it aired — last night, April 11 (less than four months since the Sandy Hook shooting).

Sandy Hook Parents Post Angry Messages On Facebook

Andrew Paley, a father of twin boys who miraculously survived the Sandy Hook shooting, wrote on a Newtown Action Alliance Facebook page:

“It’s too soon as our kids and our wounds are still too new. I understand keeping it in the minds of the Nation but dammit, at least let the people of Newtown know beforehand. I found out because an old friend who blogs about the show gave me a heads up.”

Newtown Vs. Glee: Others Praise The Episode

However, not all affected by Sandy Hook were upset with the episode.

Anthony Lusardi, the boyfriend of substitute teacher Lauren Rousseau, who was killed in the Newtown massacre, wrote on Facebook:

“As long as it keeps the subject in the public’s mind I’m all for it. My Lauren was a huge fan of the show. So I’m sure she would have approved.”

At the end of the episode, it’s revealed that Becky, a student who has down syndrome, brought a gun to school for her own protection, but when she shows it to Sue Sylvester in her office, it accidentally goes off. She then drops the gun and a second shot is fired.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Was the Glee episode insensitive?

WATCH: Glee – ‘Shooting Star’ (Intense Moments After Gun Shots)

— Chris Rogers

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@ChrisRogers86

More ‘Glee’ & Sandy Hook News:

1. ‘Glee’ Recap: School Tragedy Leads To Major Secrets Being Revealed
2. ‘Glee’ Scoop: 5 Mini Spoilers From Thursday’s Life-Or-Death Episode
3. Adam Lanza: Sandy Hook Shooting ‘An Act Of Revenge’ From Bullying

President Obama flew several families from Newtown, Conn. to Washington, D.C. on Air Force One so he could do everything possible to try and convince Congress to expand background checks on gun owners.

President Obama Visits Connecticut, Talks Gun Control

On Monday, April 8, the President spoke at the University of Hartford, where he addressed those from Newtown and all who were affected by the tragedy on Dec. 14.

“I know many of you in Newtown wondered if the rest of us would live up to the promises we made in those dark days . . . once the television trucks left, once the candles flickered out, once the teddy bears were gathered up. We will not walk away from the promise we’ve made.”

President Obama continued to say that Congress needs to make some changes so that those dangerous people cannot own guns, which is why he decided to bring the families with him back to Washington, D.C.

“This is not about me. This is not about politics. This is about doing the right thing for all the families who are here that have been torn apart by gun violence. It’s about them.

“Now’s the time to push back on fear, frustration and misinformation. The day Newtown happened was the toughest day of my presidency but I gotta tell you, if we don’t respond to this, that will be  a tough day too. We’ve got to expect more from ourselves and we’ve got to expect more from Congress. Every now and then we have to set politics aside and just do what’s right.”

Families Of Newtown Join Obama In D.C.

To get his point across, the president flew back half a dozen relatives of victims from Newtown so that they could speak up in Capitol Hill and speak to Congress about making a difference in passing a new law.

The families are speaking with Congress on April 9.

WATCH: Newtown Parents Lobby In Washington, D.C.

– Emily Longeretta

More Sad Newtown, Conn. News:

1. Sandy Hook Killer: Saw School Children As Easiest To Kill
2. President Obama To Sandy Hook Victims: I Will Reduce Gun Violence
3. Sandy Hook Hero Who Protected Kids Attacked By Massacre Disbelievers

Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old gunman behind the tragic Dec. 14 shooting in Newtown, Conn., had sketched gruesome drawings of children being murdered — and his mom Nancy Lanza found the disturbing images in his room two weeks before the shooting, according to emails sent by Nancy to a friend.

In an email exchange between Nancy and a friend of her Marvin LaFontaine, obtained by the New York Daily News, the single mother revealed her fears that her youngest son Adam had inherited a genetic disorder — a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome.

Nancy Lanza Discoveres Disturbing Images In Adam’s Room Before Shooting

She had also discovered disturbing images in her son’s room, according to the emails, and they were pictures that Adam himself had apparently drawn, Marvin told the New York Daily News.

“One (drawing) had a woman clutching a religious item, like rosary beads, and holding a child, and she was getting all shot up in the back with blood flying everywhere,” Marvin said. “Nancy was disturbed, really disturbed, but didn’t confront him. She wanted to think it over.”

Just two weeks later, Adam embarked on a deadly shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which killed 20 children and six adults. He also shot and killed his own mother in her bed.

Marvin LaFontaine Reveals Adam’s Shooting Rampage Was An Act Of Revenge

Marvin also said that Adam had been the target of relentless bullying, which may have led to his violent shooting rampage on Dec. 14.

“Nancy told me he was being picked on at school. That they were just torturing him,” Marvin said. “Adam was an easy target. He was quiet and he would never fight back. “I think Adam felt betrayed by the school and this was his act of revenge.”

What do YOU think of Nancy finding the disturbing images, HollyMoms?

More Adam Lanza News:

1. Adam Lanza: Sandy Hook Shooting ‘An Act Of Revenge’ From Bullying
2. Adam Lanza: Newtown Gunman’s Search Warrants Released
3. Sandy Hook Killer: Saw School Children As Easiest To Kill

Marvin LaFontaine, a friend of Nancy Lanza’s, believes that the shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School may have been Adam Lanza’s “act of revenge.”

Adam Lanza Bullied: Sandy Hook Shooting Was His ‘Act Of Revenge’

Marvin explains that Adam grew up as a target of relentless bullying, and that he was picked on mercilessly by his schoolmates, in an interview with the Daily News. “Nancy told me he was being picked on at school. That they were just torturing him,” Marvin says. “Adam was an easy target. He was quiet and he would never fight back.”

Furthermore, the bullying often became so bad that Nancy accompanied Adam to school like a bodyguard, though this really only made things worse for him, as Marvin explains: “Adam didn’t like her showing up.” Before driving to Sandy Hook Elementary on Dec. 14, Adam murdered his mother in their Newtown, Conn. home.

Adam may have been driven to his horrific massacre by his troubled youth, Marvin concludes: “I think Adam felt betrayed by the school and this was his act of revenge,” he states.

Adam Lanza’s Motive: Did He Resent Sandy Hook Elementary?

The troubled 20-year-old could have been harboring that resentment for his whole life. Marvin explains that as Adam grew older, the antisocial behavior that he developed as a bullied child only worsened, to the point that he would lock himself in his room for hours on end.

It’s difficult to find sympathy for a person who horrifically killed so many young people, but the picture that Marvin paints is of a truly disturbed person. A person who was mentally sick and not being treated in the necessary ways. Instead of being taken to a firing range — which is what Nancy would do — Adam more likely should have been spending his time with therapists, being treated and learning how to iron out his issues and suppressed aggression.

– Andrew Gruttadaro

More Sandy Hook News:

1. Sandy Hook Killer: Saw School Children As Easiest To Kill
2. President Obama Tears Up During State Of The Union Plea For Sandy Hook Parents
3. Sandy Hook Elementary Choir Will Perform At Grammys Pre-Show