(CNN) -- His voice wavering, Mark Mattioli wiped away tears as he recalled the day his 6-year-old son died when a man wielding an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle broke into Sandy Hook Elementary School and began shooting.
His son, James, was among the 20 children and seven adults killed by Adam Lanza on December 14 in Newtown, Connecticut -- an event so horrific that it has since spawned a federal task force and kick-started a national conversation about gun control.
But unlike the handful of other parents who testified Monday at the emotionally charged hearing in Hartford, Connecticut, Mattioli said there are more than enough gun laws on the books. He called instead for a closer look at mental health policies.
Why new laws could miss America's bigger gun problem
"I don't care if you named it 'James' law,' I don't want (another law)," he said during the first of a series of meetings set up by a legislative task force assigned to review the state's gun laws.
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Erica Simmons rings the campus bell at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, during a nationwide commemoration December 21, marking a week since the Newtown, Connecticut, mass shooting. Church bells rang out across the country at 9:30 ET Friday to remember those who died in the gun rampage. A woman pauses at a streetside memorial during a moment of silence on December 21 in Newtown. Connecticut State Police block the road to Sandy Hook Elementary School during a moment of silence on December 21. A week ago, a gunman forced his way into the school and shot and killed 26 people, including 20 children. A woman bows her head in Newtown's Sandy Hook village on December 21. People observe a moment of silence for the school shooting victims at the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown on December 21. Children in Newtown, excluding Sandy Hook Elementary, return to classes on Tuesday, December 18, four days after the shooting at the elementary school. U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, holds a news conference with the Brady Campaign to discuss gun violence. In attendance with the Brady Campaign were several survivors of gun violence and family members of victims of gun violence. Members of the human rights group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption light candles showing the names of those killed during the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, during a prayer vigil in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines on December 18. Children light candles to pay their respects to the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting at the main square in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, December 17. The deadly gun rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School has provoked strong reactions from around the world. Protesters march on the National Rifle Association's Capitol Hill lobbyist offices in Washington on December 17. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks out for stronger gun control at a press conference at City Hall on December 17. Bloomberg, co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, was joined by victims and survivors of gun violence. Chris Foye, whose son Chris Owens was killed by a stray bullet in 2009, stands with other survivors and family members of gun violence at Bloomberg's press conference on December 17 in New York. People pay their respects on December 17 at a makeshift shrine in Newtown to the victims of Friday's elementary school shooting. Funerals began Monday in the Connecticut town. Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange hold a moment of silence on December 17 in honor of the shooting victims. Young people mourn at Newtown High School before a memorial service attended by President Obama on Sunday, December 16. President Barack Obama waits to speak at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims from Sandy Hook Elementary School December 16 at Newtown High School. Mourners comfort one another December 16 before U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims. Two women embrace before the interfaith vigil at Newtown High School on Sunday evening. From left: Newtown residents Claire Swanson, Kate Suba, Jaden Albrecht, Simran Chand and New London, Connecticut, residents Rachel Pullen and her son, Landon DeCecco, hold candles at a memorial for victims on Sunday, December 16, in Newtown, Connecticut. A young boy walks past Christmas trees set up at a makeshift shrine to the shooting victims in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 16. Ty Diaz is kissed by his mother, Yvette, at a memorial down the street from Sandy Hook on December 16. Teddy bears, flowers and candles in memory of those killed are left at a memorial down the street from the school on December 16. Two teenagers embrace at a makeshift shrine to the victims in Newtown on December 16. Nuns pay their respects at a makeshift shrine to the victims on December 16. Members of Sisters of Christian Charity go to lay flowers in front of the Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 16 in Newtown. A woman receives a hug as she leaves morning service December 16 at Trinity Church in Newtown near the elementary school. Parishioners pay their respects to the victims of the elementary school shooting while attending Mass at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16. Police officers honor the victims of the school shooting at the St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church on December 16 in Newtown. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a moment of silence in honor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims before their game against the Miami Dolphins on December 16. A parishioner kneels in front of a makeshift memorial at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16. A police officer removes flowers from a busy intersection on December 16 in Newtown. Police said they were afraid the memorial, left for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, would cause a traffic hazard. A woman hugs her daughter on the steps of Trinity Church on December 16 in Newtown. Angel wood cutouts for each of the 27 victims are set up on hillside in Newtown on December 16. People in Bangalore, India, hold cards and photographs of the slain at a candlelight vigil outside a Catholic church on December 16. J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans shows his glove in remembrance of the victims before the start of a game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 16 in Houston. Donna Soto, right, mother of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, hugs her daughter Karly while mourning their loss at a candlelight memorial at Stratford High School on Saturday, December 15, in Stratford, Connecticut. Firefighters kneel to pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown on Saturday. A child lights a candle at a memorial filled with flowers, stuffed toys and candles outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Saturday. Candles light up a memorial outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. Candles burn next to a lighted tree at a makeshift shrine in Newtown. Lucas, Kelly and Michael DaSilva pray and embrace at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown. People are overcome with emotion Saturday at a makeshift memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Residents arrive Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of an elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. A couple carry balloons to place at a curbside shrine to in Newtown on Saturday. A mother and daughter attend a prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church in Newtown on Saturday. Flowers and signs of sympathy adorn the street leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School. Claudia Urbiana and daughter Jocelyne Cardenas, left, hug outside of the entrance to the Sandy Hook school. A makeshift memorial with flowers, stuffed toys and candles sit outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Connecticut, on Saturday. A man bows his head as he stands at a makeshift memorial, outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on Saturday, December 15. New Jersey resident Steve Wruble, who was moved to drive out to Connecticut to support local residents, grieves for victims at the entrance to Sandy Hook village in Newtown on Saturday. People attend a prayer service in Newtown on Saturday to reflect. A mother hugs her children after paying tribute to the victims in Newtown on Saturday, December 15. Newtown High School student Trevor Lopez stands outside of a church where residents have come to pray and reflect on Saturday Andrea Jaeger places flowers and a candle at a makeshift memorial outside a firehouse near Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday. The U.S. flag flies at half-staff above the White House on Saturday. Ken Kowalsky and his daughter Rebecca, 13, embrace while standing at the end of the road leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday. A woman puts a flower near crosses planted by Rio de Paz (Rio of Peace), in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. A woman sits during a service at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday, December 14. Fans at the NBA game between the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns participate in a moment of silence for the victims of the Newtown shooting on Friday in Phoenix. An overflow crowd listens to a church service held at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on December 14. People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church on Friday. People gather for a vigil outside the White House in Washington following the Connecticut elementary school shooting on Friday. Candles burn as people gather for a vigil outside the White House. Hartford, Connecticut, Mayor Padro Segarra speaks emotionally about the students and teachers who died earlier in the day at Sandy Hook Elementary School in nearby Newtown at a candlelight vigil at Bushnell Park in Hartford on Friday. Cynthia Alvarez is comforted by her mother, Lilia, as people gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown. People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church in Newtown. People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church. People gather inside the St. Rose Church to remember the shooting victims on Friday A woman bows her head during a vigil for the shooting victims at St. Rose Church. People gather in the St. Rose Church for a memorial service Friday. Women comfort each other during the vigil at St. Rose Church. A woman looks on during the vigil at St. Rose Church. People hug outside of the Newtown United Methodist Church on Friday, near the site of the shootings at the Sandy Hook school. A flag at the U.S. Capitol flies at half-staff after President Barack Obama ordered the action while speaking from the White House. Obama called for "meaningful action" in the wake of the school shooting. Julie Henson of San Francisco joins other people outside the White House to participate in a candlelight vigil on Friday. Obama wipes tears as he makes a statement in response to the shooting on Friday. Washington resident Rachel Perrone, left, and her 5-year-old son, Joe, center, join others outside the White House in a candlelight vigil. Faisal Ali, right, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, joins the vigil outside the White House. People gather outside the White House to participate in a candlelight vigil. Supporters of gun control hold a candlelight vigil for victims of the shooting outside the White House. Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings HIDE CAPTION << < 
A woman pauses at a streetside memorial during a moment of silence on December 21 in Newtown. 
Connecticut State Police block the road to Sandy Hook Elementary School during a moment of silence on December 21. A week ago, a gunman forced his way into the school and shot and killed 26 people, including 20 children. 
A woman bows her head in Newtown's Sandy Hook village on December 21. 
People observe a moment of silence for the school shooting victims at the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown on December 21. 
Children in Newtown, excluding Sandy Hook Elementary, return to classes on Tuesday, December 18, four days after the shooting at the elementary school. 
U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, holds a news conference with the Brady Campaign to discuss gun violence. In attendance with the Brady Campaign were several survivors of gun violence and family members of victims of gun violence. 
Members of the human rights group Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption light candles showing the names of those killed during the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, during a prayer vigil in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines on December 18. 
Children light candles to pay their respects to the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting at the main square in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, December 17. The deadly gun rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School has provoked strong reactions from around the world. 
Protesters march on the National Rifle Association's Capitol Hill lobbyist offices in Washington on December 17. 
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks out for stronger gun control at a press conference at City Hall on December 17. Bloomberg, co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, was joined by victims and survivors of gun violence. 
Chris Foye, whose son Chris Owens was killed by a stray bullet in 2009, stands with other survivors and family members of gun violence at Bloomberg's press conference on December 17 in New York. 
People pay their respects on December 17 at a makeshift shrine in Newtown to the victims of Friday's elementary school shooting. Funerals began Monday in the Connecticut town. 
Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange hold a moment of silence on December 17 in honor of the shooting victims. 
Young people mourn at Newtown High School before a memorial service attended by President Obama on Sunday, December 16. 
President Barack Obama waits to speak at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims from Sandy Hook Elementary School December 16 at Newtown High School. 
Mourners comfort one another December 16 before U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims. 
Two women embrace before the interfaith vigil at Newtown High School on Sunday evening. 
From left: Newtown residents Claire Swanson, Kate Suba, Jaden Albrecht, Simran Chand and New London, Connecticut, residents Rachel Pullen and her son, Landon DeCecco, hold candles at a memorial for victims on Sunday, December 16, in Newtown, Connecticut. 
A young boy walks past Christmas trees set up at a makeshift shrine to the shooting victims in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 16. 
Ty Diaz is kissed by his mother, Yvette, at a memorial down the street from Sandy Hook on December 16. 
Teddy bears, flowers and candles in memory of those killed are left at a memorial down the street from the school on December 16. 
Two teenagers embrace at a makeshift shrine to the victims in Newtown on December 16. 
Nuns pay their respects at a makeshift shrine to the victims on December 16. 
Members of Sisters of Christian Charity go to lay flowers in front of the Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 16 in Newtown. 
A woman receives a hug as she leaves morning service December 16 at Trinity Church in Newtown near the elementary school. 
Parishioners pay their respects to the victims of the elementary school shooting while attending Mass at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16. 
Police officers honor the victims of the school shooting at the St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church on December 16 in Newtown. 
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a moment of silence in honor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims before their game against the Miami Dolphins on December 16. 
A parishioner kneels in front of a makeshift memorial at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on December 16. 
A police officer removes flowers from a busy intersection on December 16 in Newtown. Police said they were afraid the memorial, left for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, would cause a traffic hazard. 
A woman hugs her daughter on the steps of Trinity Church on December 16 in Newtown. 
Angel wood cutouts for each of the 27 victims are set up on hillside in Newtown on December 16. 
People in Bangalore, India, hold cards and photographs of the slain at a candlelight vigil outside a Catholic church on December 16. 
J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans shows his glove in remembrance of the victims before the start of a game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 16 in Houston. 
Donna Soto, right, mother of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, hugs her daughter Karly while mourning their loss at a candlelight memorial at Stratford High School on Saturday, December 15, in Stratford, Connecticut. 
Firefighters kneel to pay their respects at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown on Saturday. 
A child lights a candle at a memorial filled with flowers, stuffed toys and candles outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Saturday. 
Candles light up a memorial outside of Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. 
Candles burn next to a lighted tree at a makeshift shrine in Newtown. 
Lucas, Kelly and Michael DaSilva pray and embrace at a makeshift memorial near the school in Newtown. 
People are overcome with emotion Saturday at a makeshift memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. 
Residents arrive Saturday to pay tribute to the victims of an elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. 
A couple carry balloons to place at a curbside shrine to in Newtown on Saturday. 
A mother and daughter attend a prayer service at St. John's Episcopal Church in Newtown on Saturday. 
Flowers and signs of sympathy adorn the street leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School. 
Claudia Urbiana and daughter Jocelyne Cardenas, left, hug outside of the entrance to the Sandy Hook school. 
A makeshift memorial with flowers, stuffed toys and candles sit outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Connecticut, on Saturday. 
A man bows his head as he stands at a makeshift memorial, outside Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown on Saturday, December 15. 
New Jersey resident Steve Wruble, who was moved to drive out to Connecticut to support local residents, grieves for victims at the entrance to Sandy Hook village in Newtown on Saturday. 
People attend a prayer service in Newtown on Saturday to reflect. 
A mother hugs her children after paying tribute to the victims in Newtown on Saturday, December 15. 
Newtown High School student Trevor Lopez stands outside of a church where residents have come to pray and reflect on Saturday 
Andrea Jaeger places flowers and a candle at a makeshift memorial outside a firehouse near Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday. 
The U.S. flag flies at half-staff above the White House on Saturday. 
Ken Kowalsky and his daughter Rebecca, 13, embrace while standing at the end of the road leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School on Saturday. 
A woman puts a flower near crosses planted by Rio de Paz (Rio of Peace), in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. 
A woman sits during a service at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday, December 14. 
Fans at the NBA game between the Utah Jazz and the Phoenix Suns participate in a moment of silence for the victims of the Newtown shooting on Friday in Phoenix. 
An overflow crowd listens to a church service held at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on December 14. 
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church on Friday. 
People gather for a vigil outside the White House in Washington following the Connecticut elementary school shooting on Friday. 
Candles burn as people gather for a vigil outside the White House. 
Hartford, Connecticut, Mayor Padro Segarra speaks emotionally about the students and teachers who died earlier in the day at Sandy Hook Elementary School in nearby Newtown at a candlelight vigil at Bushnell Park in Hartford on Friday. 
Cynthia Alvarez is comforted by her mother, Lilia, as people gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown. 
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church in Newtown. 
People gather for a prayer vigil at St. Rose Church. 
People gather inside the St. Rose Church to remember the shooting victims on Friday 
A woman bows her head during a vigil for the shooting victims at St. Rose Church. 
People gather in the St. Rose Church for a memorial service Friday. 
Women comfort each other during the vigil at St. Rose Church. 
A woman looks on during the vigil at St. Rose Church. 
People hug outside of the Newtown United Methodist Church on Friday, near the site of the shootings at the Sandy Hook school. 
A flag at the U.S. Capitol flies at half-staff after President Barack Obama ordered the action while speaking from the White House. Obama called for "meaningful action" in the wake of the school shooting. 
Julie Henson of San Francisco joins other people outside the White House to participate in a candlelight vigil on Friday. 
Obama wipes tears as he makes a statement in response to the shooting on Friday. 
Washington resident Rachel Perrone, left, and her 5-year-old son, Joe, center, join others outside the White House in a candlelight vigil. 
Faisal Ali, right, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, joins the vigil outside the White House. 
People gather outside the White House to participate in a candlelight vigil. 
Supporters of gun control hold a candlelight vigil for victims of the shooting outside the White House. Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings Reaction to Newtown school killings HIDE CAPTION << < 
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80 > >> Reaction to Newtown school killings .cnnArticleGalleryNav{border:1px solid #000;cursor:pointer;float:left;height:25px;text-align:center;width:25px} .cnnArticleGalleryNavOn{background-color:#C03;border:1px solid #000;float:left;height:25px;text-align:center;width:20px} .cnnArticleGalleryNavDisabled{background-color:#222;border:1px solid #000;color:#666;float:left;height:25px;text-align:center;width:25px} .cnnArticleExpandableTarget{background-color:#000;display:none;position:absolute} .cnnArticlePhotoContainer{height:122px;width:214px} .cnnArticleBoxImage{cursor:pointer;height:122px;padding-top:0;width:214px} .cnnArticleGalleryCaptionControl{background-color:#000;color:#FFF} .cnnArticleGalleryCaptionControlText{cursor:pointer;float:right;font-size:10px;padding:3px 10px 3px 3px} .cnnArticleGalleryPhotoContainer cite{background:none repeat scroll 0 0 #000;bottom:48px;color:#FFF;height:auto;left:420px;opacity:.7;position:absolute;width:200px;padding:10px} .cnnArticleGalleryClose{background-color:#fff;display:block;text-align:right} .cnnArticleGalleryCloseButton{cursor:pointer} .cnnArticleGalleryNavPrevNext span{background-color:#444;color:#CCC;cursor:pointer;float:left;height:23px;text-align:center;width:26px;padding:4px 0 0} .cnnArticleGalleryNavPrevNextDisabled span{background-color:#444;color:#666;float:left;height:23px;text-align:center;width:25px;padding:4px 0 0} .cnnVerticalGalleryPhoto{padding-right:68px;width:270px;margin:0 auto} .cnnGalleryContainer{float:left;clear:left;margin:0 0 20px;padding:0 0 0 10px} 
The University of Texas- Austin clock tower shooter, 25-year-old Charles Joseph Whitman, killed 16 and wounded at least 30 people from his perch above the university grounds. John Hinckley Jr. tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in front of the Washington Hilton. Reagan's press secretary, James Brady, was wounded and paralyzed in the attack. The attack brought gun control to the forefront of the debate and was in part the reason that Reagan later endorsed the Brady Bill, which established a national system for background checks and a five-day waiting period after purchasing a handgun. The provision that compels state and local governments to perform background checks was declared unconstitutional in 1996. George Hennard, 35, drove a pickup truck into a Luby's cafeteria in Killeen, Texas, fatally shot 23 people and wounded more than 20 others before killing himself. Columbine High School shooters Eric Harris, left, and Dylan Klebold examine a sawed-off shotgun at a makeshift shooting range March 6, 1999, in Douglas County, Colorado. A month later, the high school seniors opened fire on students and teachers in classrooms, the cafeteria and the library, killing 13 people and wounding 23 others. On the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, 23-year-old student Seung-Hui Cho went on a shooting rampage, killing 32 people in two locations and wounding an undetermined number of others. Cho later killed himself. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, 39, allegedly opened fire at a military processing center at Fort Hood, killing 13 and wounding 32 others. Jiverly Antares Wong walked into an American Civic Association center, gunning down 14 people and wounding four. Jared Lee Loughner opened fire on a "Congress on your Corner" event held by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The attack killed six and wounded more than a dozen people including the congresswoman, who barely survived a gunshot wound to the head. James Holmes, 24, allegedly killed 12 people and wounded almost 60 others during a midnight showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises," at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater. A man comforts a young boy after the funeral for Jack Pinto, 6, one of the children killed when Adam Lanza stormed their elementary school and claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults after killing his mother. Lanza turned the gun on himself as police closed in. 1966: Univ. of Texas tower 1981: Ronald Reagan assassination attempt 1991: Luby's cafeteria in Texas 1999: Columbine High School 2007: Virginia Tech University 2009: Fort Hood, Texas 2009: Binghamton, New York 2011: Tucson, Arizona, Safeway supermarket 2012: Aurora movie theater 2012: Sandy Hook Elementary School HIDE CAPTION << < 
John Hinckley Jr. tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in front of the Washington Hilton. Reagan's press secretary, James Brady, was wounded and paralyzed in the attack. The attack brought gun control to the forefront of the debate and was in part the reason that Reagan later endorsed the Brady Bill, which established a national system for background checks and a five-day waiting period after purchasing a handgun. The provision that compels state and local governments to perform background checks was declared unconstitutional in 1996. 
George Hennard, 35, drove a pickup truck into a Luby's cafeteria in Killeen, Texas, fatally shot 23 people and wounded more than 20 others before killing himself. 
Columbine High School shooters Eric Harris, left, and Dylan Klebold examine a sawed-off shotgun at a makeshift shooting range March 6, 1999, in Douglas County, Colorado. A month later, the high school seniors opened fire on students and teachers in classrooms, the cafeteria and the library, killing 13 people and wounding 23 others. 
On the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, 23-year-old student Seung-Hui Cho went on a shooting rampage, killing 32 people in two locations and wounding an undetermined number of others. Cho later killed himself. 
Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, 39, allegedly opened fire at a military processing center at Fort Hood, killing 13 and wounding 32 others. 
Jiverly Antares Wong walked into an American Civic Association center, gunning down 14 people and wounding four. 
Jared Lee Loughner opened fire on a "Congress on your Corner" event held by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The attack killed six and wounded more than a dozen people including the congresswoman, who barely survived a gunshot wound to the head. 
James Holmes, 24, allegedly killed 12 people and wounded almost 60 others during a midnight showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises," at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater. 
A man comforts a young boy after the funeral for Jack Pinto, 6, one of the children killed when Adam Lanza stormed their elementary school and claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults after killing his mother. Lanza turned the gun on himself as police closed in. 1966: Univ. of Texas tower 1981: Ronald Reagan assassination attempt 1991: Luby's cafeteria in Texas 1999: Columbine High School 2007: Virginia Tech University 2009: Fort Hood, Texas 2009: Binghamton, New York 2011: Tucson, Arizona, Safeway supermarket 2012: Aurora movie theater 2012: Sandy Hook Elementary School HIDE CAPTION << < 
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10 > >> Mass shootings: A timeline of legislation "I think there's much more promise for a solution in identifying, researching and creating solutions along the lines of mental health."
Connecticut's medical examiner said he was told that Lanza, 20, had Asperger's syndrome. Research has not shown a link between that condition and violence.
The hearing drew hundreds to the Connecticut state house and revealed the sharp divide in public opinion over what should happen next in the massacre's aftermath.
"The time is now," said Veronique Pozner, whose son, Noah, was also killed, referring to a strengthening of the nation's gun laws.
Sandy Hook probe to extend until summer
With a framed photo of her slain 6-year-old propped up beside her, Pozner called on Connecticut to become "an agent for change" across the country.
During her testimony, she held up a crayon drawing that Noah once scrawled on Thanksgiving.
"I am thankful for the life I live," he wrote.
At one point during the hearing, Neil Heslin, father of a 6-year-old boy named Jesse who was also gunned down that day, asked why the public needed assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Some people in the crowd then interrupted his statement and shouted the "Second Amendment shall not be infringed."
"We're not living in the Wild West. We're not a Third World nation," Heslin continued. "We have the strongest military in the world. We don't need to defend our homes with weapons like that."
Connecticut already has some of the nation's strictest gun laws.
Gov. Dannel Malloy, a first-term Democrat, has also vowed to address the factors that led to last month's massacre and set up a 16-member panel of experts to come up with recommendations. It includes experts who reviewed policies after mass shootings in Colorado and at Virginia Tech.
The panel must meet a March 15 deadline for its initial report, which Malloy is expected to use in drafting initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence.
Newtown parents learn comforting details about son's death
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