Iowa lawmakers offer prayers, express outrage at Texas school shooting

Condolences and requires change poured in Tuesday from Iowa leaders and educators following the lethal taking pictures at a Texas elementary faculty.

An 18-year-old shooter killed 14 college students and a instructor with a handgun at Robb Elementary Faculty in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday afternoon. The shooter is believed to have been killed by officers.

After the information broke, Gov. Kim Reynold’s ordered flags to be flown at half-staff via Saturday in remembrance of the victims. 

14 college students, 1 instructor killed in Texas elementary faculty taking pictures, Gov. Greg Abbott says

“My coronary heart breaks for all these affected by the tragic and mindless taking pictures in Uvalde,” Reynolds stated in an announcement. “Kevin and I be part of with Iowans in praying for all of the dad and mom, households, college students and workers concerned. No dad or mum or little one ought to ever need to face this unimaginable tragedy.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley referred to as the taking pictures sickening and heartbreaking. 

Faculties needs to be a secure place for college students and educators, Grassley tweeted. 

Home Minority Chief Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, shared the information Tuesday afternoon with the Home chamber and requested for a second of silence.

“I’d like for our physique to take a second to honor them and pray for his or her households,” Konfrst stated.  

U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, referred to as for Congress to lastly act to stop faculty shootings.

“We’ve got a toddler — an 18-year-old — who shot youngsters as soon as once more, and it is time that we put an finish to this,” she stated at a West Des Moines occasion. “I might be going again to DC to as soon as once more put my hand on the button to go one other invoice that may handle this, as a result of this has completely obtained to cease on this nation. It is about time.”

Matt Smith, Des Moines Public Faculties affiliate superintendent, expressed his sympathy and urged congressional leaders to behave.

“From colleges to church buildings to grocery shops to film theaters, the epidemic of gun violence has touched each facet of our society,” Smith stated. “As educators, now we have an ethical responsibility to talk out for the security and wellbeing of our youngsters. It’s previous time that our nation’s leaders heed the decision.”

State Senate Minority Chief Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, expressed heartbreak and outrage. 

“Fifteen households have been torn aside and a whole group has been shattered by one more mindless act of gun violence,” Wahls stated. “What number of extra should die earlier than we handle the scourge of gun violence on this nation? Ideas and prayers is not going to resolve America’s gun violence downside.”

He implored Iowa Republicans to work with their colleagues to guard communities from “mindless gun violence with out infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun house owners and sportsmen.”

“Should you actually wish to be pro-life, it is time to use your energy, the ability the voters have entrusted you with, to cease this mindless, preventable slaughter,” he stated.

Iowa State Schooling Affiliation President Mike Beranek additionally referred to as lawmakers to handle gun violence.

“Our college students and our public training professionals deserve a secure place to be taught and work,” stated Iowa State Schooling Affiliation President Mike Beranek stated. “We name on our elected officers to – in the end – go significant laws to assist stop tragedies like this which have change into all too widespread.”

Ian Richardson and Brianne Pfannenstiel contributed to this report. 

Samantha Hernandez covers training for the Register. Attain her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com. Observe her on Twitter at @svhernandez or Fb at fb.com/svhernandezreporter.