CHICAGO (CBS) — As word filtered in of the Connecticut tragedy, Chicagoans considered the meaning.

The main reaction to the Connecticut shooting seemed to be bewilderment for those attending to the tragedy.

A car hiker near Michigan Avenue said, “Killing kids makes no sense, it’s like killing your future.”

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports

A lady on a hotel smoke break nearby said, “I don’t know, I don’t know. I have no idea but it’s scary.”

Under Michigan Avenue at Billy Goat’s Tavern, a retired law professor named Don also noted the children’s ages.

“Children should not be victims of this kind of violence,” said Don. “It’s just very very sad to see.”

Right next to the bar, Judy sat bewildered.

“I don’t know I just think everybody’s just cracking up, it’s very sad,” said Judy. “There must be just a bunch of crazy people out there.”

Then passing a Deli near Michigan, lunch continued, all the patrons sat with side or back to the T.V. screen, not one single one even looking at the tragic news coming in from Connecticut.

Today’s shooting is especially horrifying for parents. Parents who consider keeping their children safe their number one job.

Roseanne Tellez caught up with a few moms today who are extremely concerned.

When asked what went through her mind when she heard about the shootings, Maurine McAdams said “It makes me want to pick them up from school, take them home and try keep them safe.”

But two of her children did remain in school today, as a third, a three-year old daughter, heard a story at a ballet lesson. The mom’s at the ballet that CBS talked to want to their children, to keep their innocence.

“We’ve had a lot of these shootings the last couple of years,” said Cindy Cruise. “I just don’t want her thinking the world is a scary place. I want her to be able to discover the world and feel safe.”

Cruise says she’s long avoided evening newscasts to shield her children from such violence.

“It just adds another element to what we already worry about as parents,” said Julia Boeschel.

At a Lakeview nail salon nearby, all eyes were on the TV coverage. And you didn’t have to be a parent to feel the pain.

“It absolutely breaks my heart,” said Jaclyn Egger. “I couldn’t stop crying when I heard about this. It’s children. So many innocent lives. They did nothing to deserve this. It’s a tragedy for America.”