(WXMI) — State and local leaders issued statements in response to a Texas elementary school shooting that left 14 children and 1 adult dead on Tuesday.
According to a recent press release, Governer Gretchen Whitmer ordered all U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capital Complex to be lowered to half-staff. This order also pertains public grounds and buildings across the entire state of Michigan, to honor and remember those who died in the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas
Sen. Gary Peters described the shooting as "senseless," adding an incident like this should not be viewed as the norm.
Nobody should live in fear that their children won't return home at the end of a school day.
Absolutely heartbroken over the senseless loss of life in Uvalde, Texas. These were children with their whole lives ahead of them.
We can’t accept this as normal.
— Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) May 24, 2022
Sen. Debbie Stabenow similarly notes that no one should live in fear of tragedies like the Texas shooting.
We don't have to live like this. No other country does. https://t.co/d1gTZIBYTK
— Sen. Debbie Stabenow (@SenStabenow) May 24, 2022
Attorney General Dana Nessel also expressed heartbreak for the community of Uvalde and for all parents who fear for their children's safety in schools.
I am heartbroken for all my fellow parents who are being once again reminded how vulnerable our children still are in their own schools.
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) May 24, 2022
I grieve for the Uvalde community and will continue to do everything in my power to end this epidemic of violence.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office also addressed its community today in a Facebook post, remembering the school shooting that took place in Oxford only last November.
“I am sure this tragedy in Texas is triggering terrible memories, anxiety and fear in Oxford and our communities. We are here for you in any form or fashion that can be helpful. We can also connect you with mental health services or just be there to listen. United and Oxford strong," said Sheriff Bouchard of Oakland County.
