It has emerged that the mother of Adam Lanza was a gun-proud survivalist. Nancy Lanza, was part of the “prepper” movement, who believe we are about to see economic collapse in the nation. The Prepper movement encourages readiness for the collapse of society by hoarding food and weapons.

More details have also emerged about the mental state of her son Adam in the weeks running up to the deadly shooting. A friend of Mrs Lanza, said she feared she was “losing” him, “She said it was getting worse. She was having trouble reaching him,”

Nancy Lanza had five guns, three of which Adam Lanza took with him; he used one assault rifle to kill most of the victims.

The Democrats are now preparing a bill to limit access to assault rifles. The bill is likely to face stiff opposition in Congress.