The LAPD this afternoon said security has been beefed up at L.A. schools in response to the tragedy in Connecticut.

The department said it has or will be making contact with every public school principal in the city. There would also be additional patrols, according to the LAPD.

That said, …

… there was no indication of an L.A. connection or increased threat level as a result of the tragedy, according to an LAPD statement.

L.A. public schools are on a holiday break after today, but the vigilance will continue when students return Jan. 7, police said.

Chief Charlie Beck:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in Connecticut and all who are affected by this unspeakable act. The LAPD is totally committed to work with our LAUSD and private school partners to ensure that our students and staff are safe.

In Newtown, Connecticut today police say 20-year-old Adam Lanza opened fire on children and adults, including his own mother, who worked on campus, at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Eighteen children were dead at the scene, two pupils died after being hospitalized, and six adults were killed in the attack, a state police official told reporters.

[Added]: 28 total were reported dead, including the gunman. —

A teary President Obama said most of the students were between the ages of 5 and 10.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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