Hartford prays for Newtown victims

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A large crowd gathered at the 100 year old Bushnell Park carousel. It was scheduled to be open for children to ride it but all of Winter Fest was canceled so that people, many with their children could come here and grieve.

Mayor Segarra with tears streaming down his face spoke for all.

"20 children. 20 angels. 20 souls that were looking forward I'm sure towards the holidays, towards the first winter snow storm. 20 kids that had a whole life ahead of them. Dedicated workers who risked their lives, some who gave their lives to protect our children," Segarra said.

It's clear from the expression on these faces that everyone is in shock. There were parents and grandparents here all joined in collective grief and some with anger.

"We have to change this world so tragedies like this don't happen again. I'm looking at my 3-year-old grandson and I want to ask President Obama, please, please do something to this county. Please help us with the laws so that we can protect our kids so that when they go to school we can have the comfort of knowing they will come home safe," Dave Roche of Bristol said.

What seems a simple request from a grandfather in Connecticut.