Fethullah Gulen expressed his deep sorrow for the tragic shooting incident in Connecticut

Turkish-Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen expressed his deep sorrow caused by the tragic shooting incident which took lives of 26 civilians, mostly children, at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut:

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic shooting incident at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. It took the lives of 26 innocent individuals; mostly children who were only at the beginning of their precious lives, and also the teachers who had dedicated themselves to nurturing and educating their students. I wish to express my deepest and heart-felt condolences to all the aggrieved families and loved ones, as well as to the American people.

This deplorable act of violence, like its precedents that happened over the past several years, starkly raises the question of what turns a trobled person into a monster that pours death onto other fellow human beings.

I hope that he visionary leaders and caring parents will strive to find the strength to illuminate both hearts and minds of their sons and daughters with the love, respect and compassion for others, and do whatever is in their power to help prevent the reoccurence of such tragedies.

Once again, I deplore this tragic incident, and pray that it happens never again."

Fethullah Gulen

Fethullah Gülen is a Turkish Islamic scholar well known for his teachings promoting mutual understanding and tolerance between cultures. Now residing in the US, Gülen has pioneered educational activities in a number of countries, along with efforts to promote intercultural and interfaith activities around the world.