Government officials in Newtown, Connecticut announced Monday they want the media to leave the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in peace. The request comes as the first anniversary of the shooting on Dec. 14 approaches.
"The community is choosing to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook tragedy in ways that are quiet, personal and respectful- centered on themes of kindness, love and service to others," Newtown First Selectman Pat Llordra told USA Today.
Llodra also said they will not schedule any memorials, so the town can have "the time to be alone and quiet with time for personal and communal reflection," USA Today reported.
At another Monday meeting, the families of those who lost loved ones in the shooting gathered to announce the launch of Mysandyookfamily.org, in remembrance of the victims.
"In the midst of our grief, we have come to realize that we want our loved ones to be remembered for the lives they lived and how they touched our hearts," the website said. "By creating this website, we hope to offer an opportunity to communicate with our families and honor our loved ones, while at the same time respecting each family's individual journey and unique experiences."
Family members said they would like people to carry out acts of kindness and charity on the victims' behalf.
On December 14, 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza open fire inside the elementary school, killing 20 children and six adults before taking his own life. Earlier that day he shot and killed his mother, Nancy Lanza.
Several news outlets said they would respect Newtown's wish and keep away.
"While CNN plans to cover the one-year anniversary across our networks and platforms, we are respecting the wishes of the families, and we are not reporting from Newtown on Saturday," CNN spokeswoman Bridget Leininger told USA Today.
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