Trumbull's Herbst Supports Keeping Newtown Shooting Images, Tapes Sealed

Released by Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst

TRUMBULL -- The chief municipal officials of Newtown, Trumbull and Monroe on Thursday praised action of the Connecticut General Assembly’s overwhelming support to prevent public release of homicide victim photos, videos and some audiotapes in response to the horrific massacre of Sandy Hook Elementary School students.

They also condemned State Senator Anthony Musto, who represents Trumbull, Monroe and Bridgeport, for supporting the release of images of slain children and educators. The bill passed the State Senate 33-2. The three municipal chief executives announced that the state legislature struck a proper balance between the public’s right to know and protecting the privacy of families from graphic depictions of 20 massacred children and six adults.

“The legislature’s overwhelming support was both thoughtful and sensitive in shielding victims’ photos,” stated First Selectwoman Llodra.

“The families that lost loved ones at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012 have been through enough anguish and pain. No one needs to see photographs or hear emergency 911 calls of this massacre to understand how horrific and terrible a crime that was perpetrated upon the good people of Newtown. I cannot understand how any legislator, Republican or Democrat, could vote against this legislation and support the release of this material.”

Monroe First Selectman Steve Vavrek, whose community stepped forward in December of 2012 to offer a vacant school to serve as the new Sandy Hook Elementary School, said that while he was pleased the legislation passed overwhelmingly and on a bipartisan basis, he was more disappointed by the fact that his State Senator, Anthony Musto, voted against the legislation.

“As the host community for the new Sandy Hook Elementary School, I have seen on a daily basis the great challenge for the educators, families and children of the Sandy Hook community to heal. Senator Musto’s actions make the healing process all the more difficult by essentially saying that it is acceptable to place in the public domain visual imaging and graphic detail regarding a horrific slaughter. I think Senator Musto owes these families an apology.”

Musto, a resident of Trumbull, received a strong condemnation from his First Selectman, Timothy M. Herbst, for being just one of two state senators who argued for the release of photos of massacred children.

“The people of Trumbull and Monroe have forged a strong bond with the people of Newtown. Our communities were among the first to offer mutual aid. I cannot imagine the pain and anguish felt by the families of this tragedy. Trumbull lost a great resident and dedicated educator in Mary Sherlach. Senator Musto’s actions are shameful, abhorrent and show a complete lack of respect for these families. I challenge Senator Musto to look these families in the eye and tell them that it is acceptable to release the photos of the most deadly mass killing in the history of the State of Connecticut. The Psychology Department at Yale University would have a field day in studying and assessing how Senator Musto applies logic.”