The White House said President Barack Obama has "enormous sympathy for families that are affected" by the shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut.

Obama was briefed on the shooting Friday morning. Spokesman Jay Carney said the White House would "do everything we can to support state and local law enforcement."

Carney would not confirm any details about the shooting. Officials with knowledge of the incident said 27 people, including 18 children, were killed.

The president was first informed about the incident by his counterterrorism adviser John Brennan and will continue to receive regular updates throughout the day, Carney said.

The White House also said the FBI is supporting state and local law enforcement officials in Connecticut as they respond to and investigate the incident.

Carney wouldn't say whether the shooting would make gun control a higher priority on the president's agenda, but he said there would be a day for discussion on that policy issue.

"But I don't think today is that day," he said.