Pasadena Public School Superintendent Reacts to Texas Campus Shooting, Calls for New Laws and Necessary Resources

Pasadena public school officials reacted with horror, anger and renewed calls for tougher gun control Tuesday as news spread of the latest mass shooting in the United States — this one at a Texas elementary school where at least 19 students and two adults were killed.

“This awful news breaks our hearts and makes us angry,” Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Brian McDonald said in an email to the community following Tuesday’s shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, about 85 miles west of San Antonio.

“It’s time for clear action by lawmakers across the country to do whatever it takes to change our laws and provide the necessary resources to ensure that something like this never happens again. It’s time to keep our children and families safe, whether they’re shopping in Buffalo, attending church in Laguna Woods, or tragically, sitting in their classrooms anticipating the end of the school year and the start of what should have been a glorious summer.”

McDonald said the District wanted to assure the community that “every single person in Pasadena Unified School District is committed to the safety of our students and schools.”

Pasadena police spokesperson Lt. Marcia Taglioretti said local police remain vigilant and are prepared to work with the District if asked or when needed.

McDonald said that support is available for anyone who needs help. The Pasadena Unified School District has partnered with Hazel Health and Care Solace to support the school community’s mental health, he said, and that both can help quickly to provide mental health treatment options regardless of circumstances, he said.

Area representatives also expressed their shock.

“Going to school. Going grocery shopping. Going to church. Going to the mall. My heart breaks for the families and community in Uvalde, Texas — and for all victims of gun violence,” Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, tweeted following Tuesday’s school shooting. “We must do better. We must save lives. We must #EndGunViolence.”

Tuesday’s horror took place around noon Texas time.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott initially confirmed that 14 students, along with a teacher, were killed when a single gunman struck. The number of students killed later rose to at least 19. The death toll also included two adults, authorities said. Abbott said one of the two was a teacher.

According to reports, the gunman, identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, allegedly shot his grandmother earlier in the day, then headed to the school, possibly carrying a handgun and a rifle.

In addition to those killed, roughly 15 other children and two adults were injured in the shooting, according to various reports. The gunman was killed by police.