Texas School Shooting: Arlington Heights Leaders React To Tragedy

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Americans across the nation are learning new details about the latest mass shooting, this time at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. On Tuesday, a gunman barricaded himself inside a classroom at Robb Elementary School and killed 19 children and two teachers.

Meanwhile, local leaders and officials are reacting to the tragic news and looking for ways to prevent future violence, especially at area schools.

"The tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday is just another reminder that similar events can happen anywhere and that we must never let our guard down," Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes told Patch via email. "We mourn the loss of the 19 innocent children and two teachers who will never experience what is still good about our country as a result of yet another senseless act."

RELATED: Texas School Shooting: Gunman Killed 19 Kids, 2 Teachers In Same Class

The gunman, identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, recently bought two rifles from a local licensed seller, one on May 17 and one on May 20, along with 375 rounds of ammunition on May 18, according to a briefing obtained by the Austin American-Statesman.

Police officers were at all nine Arlington Heights School District 25 schools Wednesday morning during arrival to provide support, according to the district.

"Some officers were in marked police cars outside, while others were inside or on foot on the school property," Superintendent Dr. Lori Bein said in a letter to parents shared with Patch. "They will be back at all nine schools tomorrow morning, and at various times throughout the final days of the school year."

Bean said the Arlington Heights Police Department has always been an excellent resource for District 25.

"I cannot thank them enough for their quick response, and their willingness to work with us at any hour of the day," Bean said.

The superintendent also provided guidance for parents in talking with their children about violence here and here.

In a letter sent out to families by principals in District 25, the following guidelines were addressed in response to the shooting:

• Conducting regular lockdown and safety drills
• Working closely with local law enforcement
• Continuously training each school's teachers and staff
• Evaluating each school's exterior doors and how students flow in and out of each building
• Requiring all visitors to check in at the front office and provide proper identification

"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Every child deserves to learn in a safe environment," Township High School District 214 said in a social media post. "Every parent shouldn’t worry if their child will come home from school every day. We mourn with everyone affected by this senseless act of violence."

According to the District 214 handbook for students and parents, any student who brings a firearm (gun, rifle, shotgun) to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, "shall be expelled for a period of at least one calendar year, but not more than two calendar years."

This policy’s prohibitions concerning weapons apply regardless of whether: (1) a student is licensed to carry a concealed firearm, or (2) the Board permits visitors, who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm, to store a firearm in a locked vehicle in a school parking area.

According to the handbook, during the school day, all visitors to District 214 school property are required to report to the security checkpoint and receive permission to remain on school property. Visitors must sign a visitors’ log, show identification, and wear a visitor’s badge. Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

“Just last week, we grieved the tragic loss of life in Buffalo. Today, we mourn yet another senseless school shooting and the deaths of students and educators," Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery said. "There are no words to help the families through this tragedy. The unimaginable continues to happen in our schools where teachers, students, and parents should feel safe."

RELATED: Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims