UPDATE: Local Leaders, Groups React to Newtown School Shooting

Local officials and agencies joined national leaders in expressing disbelief and horror at the mass shooting at a Newtown, Conn. elementary school Friday that left 28 people dead, including 20 children. The suspect in the shooting has been identified by authorities as Adam Lanza, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Here's a round-up of local reaction:

• Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca issued the following statement:

Our sympathies and prayers go out to everyone associated with the terrible tragedy today at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in the community of Newtown, Connecticut.

Your children will hear about this incident through friends or others and so talking with them about it in a calm way is a good idea. Give them a chance to talk about how they feel, reassure them, and help them (and you) not to feel overwhelmed. Discuss with them about people reporting to schol officials if they see someone who does not belong on campus, or hear someone making threats.

• Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz wrote the following on Facebook:

There are no words to console those in Newtown, Connecticut. Our hearts break for them and for our nation! As our President said today, "We've endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years..." God Bless us and help us find solutions to these horrendous acts of violence.

• U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Pasadena) from the 29th Congressional District wrote the following on Facebook:

I'm just horrified at the shooting today at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. As a parent of young children, I grieve for the families who lost loved ones and those going through the agony of waiting for more information about their kids. This is beyond any parent's worst nightmare. The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with them.

• Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-El Monte) of the 32nd Congressional district wrote the following on Facebook:

My heart goes out to the victims and families of Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. I am shocked and saddened by this senseless tragedy against school employees and children. We must all support the people of Newtown, Connecticut during this very difficult time.

• Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) of the 33rd California Assembly district wrote the following on Facebook:

The horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut is beyond words. The loss of one innocent life is tragic; the loss of over two dozen is too senseless to comprehend. We have been given a sobering reminder today of the fallen state of man. Today, we must mourn with those who mourn, and pray for the families of those killed, and for the victims who survived, and for everyone who's life has been irreversibly altered by this horrific event. Godspeed.

• Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) of the 43rd Assembly district released the following statement: 

My words could not possibly console the victims' families, but they are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.  Events like this are a reminder, especially given their timing this year, that we should all count our blessings, every day.

• The Arcadia Police Department wrote the following on Facebook:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, the first responders at Newtown Police Department, and all who were impacted by the tragedy in Newtown, CT.

Safety at our schools is always a priority with the Arcadia Police Department and all law enforcement. Our officers are trained and equipped to respond to situations involving active shooters and other threats similar to this senseless violence. While we cannot change what has occurred, we always prepare for the future. Hug your kids, talk with them, and reassure them...