Increased Police Presence At Manatee Schools After TX School Shooting

Updated: 2:39 p.m., Wednesday

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Following a mass shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead at a Texas elementary school Tuesday, Manatee County Schools will see an increased law enforcement presence at and near all campuses during the remainder of the school year, according to a statement from the district.

Secondary-school students are also not allowed to bring backpacks to school for the final two days of the year, which are both early-release days.

An 18-year-old gunman wearing a tactical vest and carrying a long rifle barricaded himself in a classroom at the Uvalde, Texas, school Tuesday and opened fire. All 21 people killed were in that single classroom. The shooter, Salvador Ramos, was also eventually shot dead by law enforcement.

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Manatee County Schools’ chief safety and security director reached out to all school principals and district leaders Tuesday evening, directing them to stay vigilant during the remaining two days of school, the district said.

Bradenton Police Department also commented on the shooting.

“Today, children and educators in Bradenton, and across the country, are excitedly anticipating summer break, and the fun to be had. Sadly, the final days of school at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX ended in a horrific and senseless tragedy,” the agency shared in a statement on its Facebook page Wednesday. “Our hearts break for the families and friends of these innocent victims, and the countless others who now must live with the physical and mental trauma that will follow.”