Community Corner
Newtown Action Alliance is 'Shocked and Enormously Disappointed' Teacher Brought Gun to School
Newtown Middle School science teacher Jason M. Adams allegedly entered the school carrying a firearm on Wednesday.
NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Action Alliance, a grassroots organization working to reduce gun violence, said in a statement that they are "shocked and enormously disappointed" to hear that a Newtown Middle School teacher allegedly brought a handgun to school on Wednesday.
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Jason M. Adams, 46, of Newtown, entered the school carrying the concealed firearm, according to a news release, was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds.
"Our community is still reeling from the tragic shooting that occurred on December 14, 2012. Therefore, we are shocked and enormously disappointed that a middle school teacher from Newtown would bring his gun onto school property yesterday."
Adams was released on a promise to appear in Superior Court, Danbury on April 20 and has been placed on administrative leave. Adams possesses a valid State of Connecticut Pistol Permit, police said.
Newtown Action Alliance said that they "encourage all schools in all towns and cities nationwide to adopt a similar policy to keep all children and teachers safe from gun violence. Teachers should focus on teaching and defer to law enforcement with proper training to protect our students in schools."
The Newtown Police Department was contacted at 9 a.m. by a Newtown Middle School employee, advising them that school security was detaining a teacher who was seen carrying a firearm, according to Police Chief James Viadero.
Parents were notified of the incident via email later in the afternoon.
“This matter is very serious and troubling, both the Newtown Public School system and the Newtown Police Department took immediate steps to address the matter. The teacher was immediately detained by security personnel,” school officials said in a statement released by the Police Department.
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Photo courtesy of the Newtown Action Alliance
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