MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker says the Connecticut school shooting is a tragedy.

Walker paused to acknowledge the shooting during a Madison ceremony Friday to honor Wisconsin utility workers who traveled to the Northeast to help make repairs in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Walker told reporters after the ceremony the death toll, in his words, "takes your breath away."

He says his thoughts and prayers are with the people of Connecticut. He says he called Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy's office to offer condolences but Malloy was in a meeting and he talked with the governor's staff.

Walker, a Republican, says he doesn't want to jump to conclusions about what could be done to prevent future mass shootings, saying it's time to focus on the victims.