Video: Connecticut school shooting: 'we need to answer how this incident occurred' say police The gunman was dead inside Sandy Hook primary school in Newtown, Connecticut, state police Lt Col Paul Vance told a news conference, but declined to report on casualty figures. There were several fatalities at the scene, both students and staff. There is no information relative to that that's been released at this time until we make complete and proper notification," Lt Col Vance said. The head teacher and school psychologist were among the dead, CNN said. The suspected shooter, 24, was armed with four weapons and wearing a bullet-proof vest, WABC reported. Three people were taken to Danbury Hospital, about 11 miles west of the school, a hospital spokeswoman told NBC Connecticut. Sandy Hook primary school teaches children from the ages 5 to 10.