I want to condemn this recent tragic loss of life in this most recent shooting in Providence. A 15-year-old boy named William Parsons sadly lost his life outside of a high school, of all places; somewhere that should represent comfort and security. My prayers go out to the victim’s family.
There is absolutely no excuse for such a horrific event. This is another family that has to grieve for a child whose life was cut short far too soon. This happens all too often in Providence as of late, and this must stop! Violence begets violence. We must overcome senseless tragedies like this by working together and shunning such viciousness which is ripping our community apart.
Prayers and heartfelt condolences are simply not enough though; we need action. I will continue to work together with the federal, state, and local leaders in my community to enact comprehensive reforms that make Providence and Rhode Island that much safer, to ensure that this type of violence is a thing of the past!
There is no magic solution, but we need action. The time has come to for Rhode Island to enact a comprehensive package that disincentives all types of gun violence. I support increasing state funding for after-school programs, an assault weapons ban, increased mental health services, expanded mental health screenings, and laws that make it mandatory to keep firearms under lock and key in a household. Also, we need to be able to quickly detect where criminals are getting their guns and hold whoever gives them these weapons accountable too.
While all these are important, it also falls on all of us to take care of our brothers, sisters, and children. We cannot allow violence like this to continue unabated. We are one community, a diverse community, but a community nonetheless that needs to prevent this tragic loss of life. We are all in this together and I will not stop fighting to ensure every person in our state is safer and these senseless shootings no longer occur.
As a father, a member of this community, and Providence’s state representative, I will not stop until this horrific violence ceases!
Mr. Joe Almeida is the Rhode Island State Representative for the 12th District representing South Side and Washington Park in Providence.
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."
