The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which occurred 10 years ago, left a scar on the people who lost their loved ones, on their community, and on the entire nation. The incident is both the deadliest mass shooting to occur at an elementary school and the fourth deadliest mass shooting in American history.

Also Read: Sandy Hook school shooting: Everything to know about massacre that happened 10 years ago

On December 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, a shooter by the name of Adam Lanza, then 20-years-old, opened fire, and murdered 26 innocent people. Twenty of the casualties were young children, ranging in age from six to seven, and the remaining six victims were adult members of the staff.

Also Read: Who was Adam Lanza, Sandy Hook shooter?

The aftermath of the shooting saw various gun reforms, debates on gun laws, and also discussions on mental health. The tragedy left the Newtown community grieving and the Sandy Hook Elementary School was shut down.

But, was Sandy Hook Elementary School demolished after the massacre?

Following the incident, the school was shut down indefinitely, on account of it still being a crime scene. The school was eventually demolished. The decision to demolish the Sandy Hook Elementary school and have a new one built in its place was made on May 10, 2013, by a task committee of 28 designated members. 

Also Read: Remembering Sandy Hook victims 10 years after elementary school massacre

This decision was followed by a proposal sent to the Newtown Board of Education’s approval of the $57 million project. In October 2013, residents of Newtown approved the proposed destruction and reconstruction, which was to be paid for with $50 million in state funds, by a vote of 4,504-558. The cost of the demolition, which started on October 25 and ended in December 2013, was close to US $1.4 million.

Also Read: A decade after Sandy Hook, grief remains but hope grows

The newly built school, even though built on the same grounds as the old Sandy Hook Elementary, serves as a hope for a new beginning and reforms among the community.