A number of Providence leaders issued statements of outrage and sadness after a 15-year-old Providence child was murdered outside of school on Wednesday.
READ THE REACTIONS BELOW
Details and motivation on the murder are still unknown as Providence Police are investigating. A second shooting took place on a nearby street is also being investigated and is believed to be tied to the school shooting. According to Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements, a person of interest is in custody.
GoLocal asked a number of Providence political leaders if this was the first time a student had been murdered on school grounds and none could remember a similar incident.
The shooting took place just after midday in front of the Providence Career and Technical Academy. Later in the afternoon, Providence emergency response personnel were seen hosing the blood off the front of the school’s sign and the sidewalk.
Related Slideshow: Leaders React to Murder of 15-Year Old Providence Student
Nick Hemond, Chair of the Providence School Committee
“This is an unspeakable tragedy and my deepest thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the family of the young boy who lost his life in this senseless act of violence. As a father, I cannot imagine the pain they are going through.
I have been in contact with our Superintendent who has been on scene and working with Chief Clements and the Providence Police Department. We are confident that this is an isolated tragedy and want all parents to be assured that our schools will be safe and in session tomorrow. We will have an increased police presence at the schools in the area of the incident so our families and employees feel as safe as possible.
Superintendent Maher has already put the necessary emotional supports in place at the school level to help our kids, faculty and staff get through this painful time. I want to thank the Providence Police and the first responders for their efforts today and our faculty and staff who stayed after school today to be with and comfort their students in dealing with this horrifying crime.”
Diane "Dee Dee" Witman, Independent Candidate for Mayor
“Nothing could be worse,” Witman said, “then when a child goes to school in the morning and does not come home in the afternoon.”
Witman hopes the community will allow the Providence police to conduct their investigation without interference.
Witman wants the people of Providence to know that her team is developing a comprehensive plan to ensure that a national trend does not become a local reality.
"During a time of trauma, Witman recognizes the added stress students and their families will feel. It is under these unfortunate circumstances that teachers will experience an even greater burden in supporting their students and families. It is more imperative than ever that teachers feel supported by city leadership. When Witman is elected Mayor she will ensure fair contract agreements and a safer city for all. Violence in or around Providence schools is unacceptable for any city leader to allow."
Robert DeRobbio, Democratic Candidate for Governor
"In the wake of today’s tragedy our thoughts and prayers are with Providence’s students, teachers and their families. This is not a time for political grandstanding; it is a time for grieving and supporting our community."
"On our second day back to school, our students have to experience tragedy. While on the scene of the shooting at PCTA, another shooting occurred. City leaders continue to profess violence is down in the city by putting out numbers that are never checked. I check the numbers by talking to the people impacted and today is no different. I spoke with an emotional classmate that was furious about the lack of safety in the city. He said, "They only come around when something bad happens." We need to connect better with the communities to lessen these preventable tragedies. The Providence Fire Department has to come and physically wash the human blood off of the school sign. Explain that in the numbers. Explain that to the families."
Vargas posted to Facebook, “This is not the start to the school year we all had hoped for. My prayers are with the victim's family, but prayers are not enough. We need to ensure our schools are completely secure NOW and that this CANNOT happen again.”
"This is a devastating tragedy for the family and for our city. I am heartbroken for the family of the victim and for the students and adults who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy. This type of violence will not be accepted in our city and we will come together as a community to support the victim's family."
"In light of today’s tragic shootings and the death of a sophomore at Central High School, the Executive Board unanimously voted to suspend Work to Rule for the next two days. The teachers and students at Central and PCTA have endured a horrific tragedy and need our collective strength and support. We are a community and need to come together at this time. Our students and teachers need to feel safe. We do not know the reason why this tragedy occurred but our hope is that is never happens again. Our focus, over the coming days, is the comfort and healing of our colleagues and our students.
The principals at Central and PCTA will be holding emergency staff meetings before school tomorrow morning, where safety procedures and supports available will be discussed.
Again, Work to Rule is suspended for the next two days and will resume on September 13, 2018. Please remember that Friday is still solidarity day.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to the families, teachers and students impacted by today’s tragedy."
