17/12/2012

Books Of Condolence Opens For Victims Of Sandy Hook Murders

On Saturday, on behalf of his Ulster Unionist City Council colleagues David Browne and Bob Stoker, Jim Rodgers asked the Lord Mayor, Gavin Robinson to open Books of Condolence at City Hall in memory of all those murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, USA. The Lord Mayor agreed to this request.

Mr Rodgers said: "Since news of this terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School started to filter through on Friday, people have been contacting me to ask how Belfast City Council is going to show solidarity with the families. I asked The Lord Mayor to open Books of Condolence on Monday morning and he agreed to do so.

"The murder of so many young children in the mouth of Christmas just emphasises the pain and hurt that the families of all the victims must be going through. This is a crime that has shocked the world and it is only right that the citizens of Belfast and Northern Ireland have an opportunity to leave messages of sympathy and support for the families.

"We can only begin to imagine the pain of loss that the families must be going through.

"Once the Books of Condolence have been closed, it would be our intention that they are given to the U.S. Consulate in Belfast in order for them to be passed to the families of the victims, to let them know that the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland have them in our thoughts."

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 September 2022
Books Of Condolence Opens At Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Hall has announced the opening of Books of Condolence following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Members of the public will be able to sign the books which will be at City Hall until the day of the state funeral. Books of Condolence will be in the main reception area and east wing of City Hall and will be available for signing from 9.
20 August 2002
Derry Mayor opens Soham Book of Condolence
In response to requests from the community the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Kathleen McCloskey, has opened a Book of Condolence in memory of the two 10-year-old schoolfriends, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who were murdered in Soham, England.
13 November 2024
Belfast City Council Launches Pre-Loved Toy Appeal
Belfast City Council is once again calling on residents to donate pre-loved toys to support local families in need this Christmas. The successful appeal, which was launched last year, aims to extend the life of toys and reduce waste while providing vital support to those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
24 March 2017
London Terror Attack: Book Of Condolence Opens At Belfast City Hall
A book of condolence has opened at Belfast City Hall in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in London. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary-Ellen Campbell, DUP Leader Arlene Foster, DUP MP Nigel Dodds and the US Consul in Northern Ireland Daniel Lawton have all signed the book.
16 November 2015
Book Of Condolence Opens At Belfast City Hall
A book of condolence has open at the Belfast City Hall today, 16 November, in honour of the victims of the attacks in Paris. The Lord Mayor Arder Carson and members of political parties attended the signing.