Texas school shooting: Wisconsin officials offer condolences, support

MILWAUKEE - Wisconsin officials are offering their condolences and support for the teachers, students, families, and people of Uvalde, Texas in the wake of a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on Tuesday, May 24.

An 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at the Texas elementary school. It is the nation's deadliest school shooting in nearly a decade.

Statements from Wisconsin officials

Gov. Tony Evers

"Our hearts are broken by the maddening and horrific act of gun violence in Uvalde. Kathy and I are praying for the parents and families, educators and classmates, and an entire community that has been shattered by a merciless act of gun violence.

"We cannot accept that gun violence just happens. We cannot accept that kids might go to school and never come home. We cannot accept the outright refusal of elected officials to act. Enough has been enough for too damn long already."

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul

"The loss of lives to a mass shooting today at an elementary school in Texas is absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the families who must face unspeakable pain and anguish after this senseless tragedy.

"We know what can make these horrific incidents less likely to happen. We must not only hope but demand that this time will be different. We need to do more to keep our kids safe from gun violence."

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly

"The most foundational value we hold as educators is that we must keep our students safe.

"Kids need to be safe in their schools. Educators need to be safe in their schools. Parents and families trust schools to keep their children safe. And right now, they are not safe.

"It is why we work so hard to foster welcoming communities in our schools and protect the emotional well-being of our students through social-emotional learning, mental health services, and so much more. But with the reality of school shootings in America, no school policy or anti-bullying lesson or mental health support can achieve student safety in the face of rampant gun access in our country. Educators cannot keep children safe without the rest of us holding our leaders accountable to more than thoughts and prayers; we must hold them accountable for real policy change and significant reform of our gun laws. But as a society, we have enabled a culture where gun violence is accepted. We’ve allowed pro-gun organizations to hold elected officials hostage and dictate our gun and safety laws, usurping the will of the citizens of the United States who elect individuals into office to protect our best interests. This must change.

"The painful fact that gun violence and other societal challenges continue to spill into our schools requires me to engage in issues that extend beyond traditional school policy. The education of Wisconsin students and the safety of our children and educators in our schools must be addressed - not tomorrow, not next month, and not after the next loss of life. Every day is the right time to protect the lives of children; the day after a school shooting is already a day too late.

"Today, tomorrow, the next day and until our children are safe, I call on all levels of government to enact policy to reform gun laws in our state and our country. They must take action to urgently protect our children and communities. That is our job as adults, as parents, as leaders, and as a society: to protect our children. What type of society are we, and what does that say about us as a civilization, if we refuse to support policies that protect lives and instead strengthen laws that value weapons more? Our students cannot learn if they are not alive. It sickens me that I have to say that, but I will keep saying it until our kids are safe."

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson

"Schools ought to be our safest places. I am shocked and saddened. My thoughts are with the parents and the community of Uvalde, Texas."

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Joint statement of Milwaukee Common Council

"It is hard to put into words our thoughts and feelings about the tragedy that happened yesterday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. 19 children and two teachers lost their lives at the hands of a gunman who entered the school and opened fire. These are children whose lives were cut short while they were supposed to be safe and secure at school.

"We cannot imagine the amount of grief, trauma and sadness the parents of these children and the community of Uvalde are going through right now, but collectively we send our thoughts, prayers and well wishes to everyone impacted.

"If ever there was a time to act on the topic of gun reform, it is now. Every parent deserves to see their child come home from school at the end of the day, and no child should feel as if their school is not a place of safety and trust.

"The sad truth is that mass shootings have become far too commonplace in our country, and we must not allow ourselves to consider them inevitable. While the Second Amendment supports the right to bear arms, we must also acknowledge that the context of 1787 is vastly different than that of today. There are ways in which legislators at the State and Federal levels can enact policies that would make our communities safer for those who own guns and those who do not without completely stripping away the Second Amendment.

"As a society we must come together and say enough is enough and push for the change we want to see to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Our children and families deserve as much."

Keith Posley, Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent

"Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with the community of Uvalde, Texas, and everyone impacted by this morning’s unfortunate events. I am especially hurt that an elementary school was the site of this tragedy. These incidents have become far too commonplace, and my hope is that we find a solution that ends senseless gun violence of all forms. Milwaukee Public Schools will ensure that anyone impacted throughout our district will receive the support they need to help cope with today’s events."

Justin Kern, American Red Cross

"The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the entire American Red Cross family are with the people of Uvalde and those affected by the tragic shooting on May 24.  

"The Red Cross and its volunteers continue to coordinate our efforts with the Department of Public Safety, the City of Uvalde, and Uvalde County to assist family members of the victims.

"We appreciate the outpouring of support and of community members reaching out to the Red Cross to offer their help during this challenging moment. At this time, we have all the resources and assistance we need. We will continue to coordinate with local officials and community partners to determine how we can best support the Uvalde community in the days and weeks ahead."

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Associated Press contributed to this report.