HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut officials are reacting with shock and anger after the U.S. Senate rejected gun control legislation inspired by the school massacre in the state, including tightened background checks.

State lawmakers recently passed a sweeping bipartisan package of measures including a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines and an expanded assault weapons ban.

State Republican House Leader Lawrence Cafero Jr. appeared stunned the U.S. Senate couldn't pass a background checks compromise. He says ``I just don't understand how you could vote no.''

Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy says senators who voted against the measure ``should be ashamed of themselves.''

Senator Chris Murphy says it's shameful that so many in the Senate chose to turn their backs on Newtown families, victims of gun violence and the vast marjority of the American public.  He continued to say that he saw cowardice on the Senate floor, but has faith that public opinion is moving in only one direction and that the tide of support for gun violence reform will ultimately prevail.