WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Friday said the United States needs to take "meaningful action," regardless of politics, to prevent more tragedies in the wake of a deadly shooting rampage happening the same day in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, noting the country has seen too many shootings throughout the years.

U.S. President Barack Obama wipes a tear as he speaks about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, during a press briefing at the White House in Washington December 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

In an emotional statement at the White House briefing room, Obama repeatedly wiped away tears as he spoke, saying the nation was "heartbroken" over the deaths of so many innocent children.

"The majority of those who died today were children, beautiful little kids between the ages of five and ten years old," said Obama. "They had their entire lives ahead of them, birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own."

Obama also ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds as a mark of respect for the victims.