Newtown parents begin anti-violence push

NEWTOWN (AP):

Parents of children slain in the Connecticut school massacre called for a national dialogue to help prevent similar tragedies as New York moved to become the first to state to pass stricter gun-control laws and politicians worked to confront gun violence.

Members of the newly formed group Sandy Hook Promise spoke out Monday, saying they want to have open-minded discussions about a range of issues, including guns, mental health and safety in schools and other public places.

"I do not want to be someone sharing my experience and consoling another parent next time. I do not want there to be a next time," said Nicole Hockley, whose son Dylan was among the 20 first-graders and six adults killed by a gunman December 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The parents held photos of their sons and daughters as they cried, hugged and spoke in quavering voices. Some speakers said they did not believe there was a single solution.