Miami: The aunt of a 14-year-old killed in a Florida school shooting is calling for action - not prayers - to prevent more mass shootings.

Abbie Youkilis has written a letter that begins "Dear America" and calls for politicians to be held accountable for gun violence. Her niece, Jaime Guttenberg, was one of 17 people killed on Wednesday in the shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school.

Ms Youkilis wrote: "My family does not want your hopes and prayers. We want your action."

She said Second Amendment gun rights have been distorted beyond any rational interpretation.

Ms Youkilis described Jaime as intelligent and feisty with the world's best smile. She said her niece danced with beauty and grace.

She also said her niece would have wanted her to make a political issue of her death, saying, "This is political and now this is personal."

AP