‘We are mourning with Uvalde’: Central Florida school districts react to tragedy at Texas school
A small town in Texas is grappling with unimaginable loss.
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A gunman opened fire inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas — a rural town about an hour west of San Antonio.
A student described the chaos.
“We just hear all kinds of gunshots going off — like nonstop, like constantly gunshots — and then we’re over here all scared … on the ground fearing for our lives,” said Jordan Liges.
READ: Texas school shooting live updates: 3rd of 19 slain children identified by family members
Innocent children and teachers were killed just two days before the end of the school year.
President Joe Biden spoke out about the tragedy, asking why such shootings continue to happen.
“I am sick and tired of it. We have to act. And don’t tell me we can’t have an impact on this carnage,” Biden said.
Authorities said Salvador Ramos, 18, stormed the campus wearing body armor and carrying at least one AR-15-style rifle.
Law enforcement officers are digging into the shooter’s background.
Photos: Texas elementary school shooting leaves 19 children, 2 adults dead
“We’re in the process of obtaining detailed background information on the subject, his motive, the types of weapons used, the legal authority to possess them and conduct a comprehensive crime scene investigation and reconstruction,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said.
Authorities said the shooter legally bought the guns used in the attack from a store after his 18th birthday.
He was reportedly killed by responding officers.
Some Central Florida school districts released statements about the shooting.
READ: Texas elementary school shooting: What we know now
Seminole County
“We are extremely saddened to see the tragic news coming out of Uvalde, Texas this evening. While law enforcement continues to investigate, we recognize that no family should ever have to be faced with a horrific event like this. Our schools should always be a safe place for learning for our children and educators. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims, their families, and their entire community.
“While tomorrow is both an early-release day and the conclusion of our school year, please know that our area law enforcement partners, along with our dedicated School Resource Officers/Deputies, will be on increased alert and extra vigilant to ensure our students have a safe and smooth transition into their Summer Break.”
Osceola County
“Our hearts are with the educators, students, and families of the Uvalde community in Texas during this tragic time.
“Parents, our school district will have additional safety precautions and law enforcement presence on our campuses tomorrow.
“As always, we ask our students, parents, and staff to see something, say something. We investigate every possible situation because the safety of your students is of the upmost importance.
“We also want to remind you that our school district has mental health resources available on our website and through each of our school counselors and social workers. You can learn more about those resources here.”
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Lake County
“We are mourning with Uvalde, Texas, in the aftermath of the tragic shooting that took innocent lives at Robb Elementary School today (5/24). We pray for the families and those affected by this senseless act, and we have asked our law enforcement partners to increase their presence on our campuses for the remainder of the week.”
Volusia County
“Our hearts are with the families and friends of the innocent victims, Robb Elementary School, and the Uvalde community. The top priority of VCS is to provide students, faculty, and staff with safe campuses where they can work, learn, and reach their highest potential. School Resource Officers (SROISRD), and/or School Guardians are on every campus, and VCS will continue its partnership with Volusia County’s law enforcement to keep our campuses safe.
“VCS employees, students, parents, and visitors on our campuses are all reminded to report to proper authorities immediately if you see something or hear something suspicious. We also encourage using FortifyFL, a suspicious activity reporting app that can instantly relay important information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.”
Orange County
“Our hearts go out to the students, staff and families in Uvalde, TX who were impacted by the shooting that occurred today at Robb Elementary School. As we end the school year, we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our students and staff.
“We continually work to improve safety procedures while using summer break to reinforce the training of our employees on how to react when faced with any threat to their campus. We keep Uvalde, TX in our thoughts & prayers as we stand with them during this difficult time.”
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