"On behalf of all Americans, I want to express our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, classmates and colleagues of the teachers and students who were senselessly murdered today. I know that many of us cannot even begin to imagine the depths of sorrow felt by the survivors.

"This tragic event is another sad reminder that the pain of youth violence knows no borders. It strengthens our resolve to be ever vigilant and prepared to prevent youth violence. Tragedies such as this one are precisely why we work with our colleagues worldwide to share best practices and research on how best to prevent and respond to violent incidents.

"I would like to extend to my colleague, Federal Minister of Education and Research Edelgard Bulmahn, any guidance and assistance that the U.S. Department of Education can provide. My thoughts are with the people of Erfurt and the teachers and students of Gutenberg High School."

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