HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is urging lawmakers to work with him to prevent future tragedies like the mass shooting at Newtown’s Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Malloy became emotional today as he spoke about the teachers and a therapist who sacrificed their lives to protect students, apologizing after he paused during his State of the State address to gain his composure.

Malloy stressed that “more guns are not the answer” and “freedom is not a handgun on the hip of every teacher.” He said “security should not mean a guard posted outside every classroom.”

The Democrat addressed a joint session of the General Assembly on the opening day of the legislative session.

Both Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra and Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson were on hand for the address.