President Barack Obama reacts to Connecticut school shooting

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama held a press conference at 2:15 p.m. Friday, hours after one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.

A tearful Obama said U.S. leaders must "take meaningful action" regardless of politics in response to a tragic shooting at Connecticut elementary school.

"Our hearts are broken," the president said. "The majority of those who died were children -- beautiful, little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old."

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Twenty-six people were killed Friday morning at a Connecticut elementary school when a 20-year-old man walked in and opened fire, 20 of which were children.

Federal law enforcement officials say Adam Lanza, of Hoboken, N.J., walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School after 9 a.m., fired into the principal's office, then went into the classroom where his mother taught.

Earlier erroneous reports named Lanza's 24-year-old brother, Ryan Lanza, as the shooter. Law enforcement has questioned Ryan Lanza, but does not believe he was involved.

NBC reports Lanza went to the school with four handguns in total but only carried two into the school.

Lanza's older brother was taken into custody at the scene for questioning. He is not being called a suspect.

The president was notified a short time after authorities were contacted. The White House said the president had "enormous sympathy for families that are affected."

Shortly before speaking, Obama ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff on public grounds through Tuesday. 

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Emotional, Obama said he would hug his children in the wake of Friday's school shooting, adding that "there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight."