CT School Shooting: Rhode Island Officials React
Friday, December 14, 2012
Rhode Island officials are reacting to today’s school shooting tragedy in Newtown CT. GoLocalProv will continue to update as statements come in.
Providence Public Schools Facebook Page
Our community of schools sends our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Sandy Hook Elementary School. For those who’ve lost loved ones, and for those who will live on with the memory of today’s tragedy, we wish them strength and comfort. We will all hold onto our children a little tighter tonight.
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“Like all Americans, I am horrified and deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place earlier today at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. To the people of Newtown and all the parents and families who are mourning loved ones today, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. In the face of such unspeakable violence, my hope is that the prayers of our entire nation will provide some comfort to the victims and their families.”
Governor Lincoln Chafee
"The word “tragedy” is used often these days, but it is difficult to think of a more truly tragic turn of events than what occurred in Newtown, Connecticut earlier today.
"On behalf of all the people of Rhode Island, our most sincere condolences and sympathy are with the families of the victims of this horrendous crime.
"Colonel O’Donnell of the State Police and Secretary Costantino of the Office of Health and Human Services have reached out to Connecticut public safety officials to offer the full support and services of the State of Rhode Island. We will assist in any way possible to help the people of our neighboring state during this unthinkably trying time.
"We are taught, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” As the families of today’s many innocent victims mourn this senseless loss of life, the thoughts and prayers of the people of Rhode Island and the people of our nation are with them – and will remain with them. It is my hope that they are able to find some small measure of comfort in the many fine memories of their loved ones that were made before this terrible day."
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
“Today’s shooting was an act of unspeakable horror, and my heart goes out to the families of those harmed. While many of the details are still unfolding, one thing is clear: no parent should ever have to face such tragedy. In the days ahead, I will work with officials here in Rhode Island and in Washington to support our friends and neighbors in Connecticut in any way we can.”
Education Commissioner Deborah Gist
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families whose children and loved ones were the victims of the tragic shooting this morning in Newtown, Connecticut. As educators, our very first priority is to ensure that our children are safe in school, and I want to assure Rhode Islanders that we have a number of protocols and practices in place to keep our schools safe and secure. While we do not have all the details about today’s events, we will continue to monitor the events and if we can learn anything from analysis of this crime to make our schools even safer we will certainly do so. Tragedies such as the shooting today make all of us think about the professionalism and dedication of those who work in our schools. Parents put their faith and trust in us as they place their children in our care every day, and we must always uphold that trust."
