Expect Police Near Bloomfield Schools After Texas Shooting: Official

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield community can expect to see a police presence near its public schools in the near future in light of the tragic shooting at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday, authorities say.

The number of children killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde has risen to at least 19, according to reports. The gunman – who was killed in the shooting – also shot his grandmother before entering the school, according to reports. Read More: Texas School Shooting: 19 Children Killed In Uvalde

New Jersey Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin said that New Jersey State Police will ramp up their presence at the Garden State schools where troopers are the primary law enforcement. All 21 county prosecutors have also been instructed to increase local police presence at schools in their jurisdictions.

Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted that the measure comes despite "no credible threats" in New Jersey. Read More: More Police To Patrol NJ Schools After Texas Shooting, AG Says

The Bloomfield Police Department said there will be an increased police presence at local schools in the wake of the shooting.

"The safety of the children is paramount to us," Bloomfield police said.

Police added:

"Our school resource officers, community policing officers and patrol officers will be on hand and highly visible to ease any uncertainties within the community. We are proud of the relationship we have with the Board of Education and will continue our efforts to form a strong bond between the police and the school community. The Bloomfield Police Department sends our prayers and condolences to all of the families that suffered loss is Texas."

Bloomfield School Superintendent Salvatore Goncalves also issued a statement about the local response to the shooting. He wrote:

"It is with a heavy heart that I write to you as your school leader learning of the inexplicable tragedy that occurred today at the Robb Elementary School in Texas; I cannot begin to imagine the enormity of the loss of innocent lives and the devastating impact this tragedy has had on all of our public school colleagues and friends. As I remind our community in each of my annual letters, we can build nothing together without a strong sense of our shared direction- this includes state-of-the-art facilities, an innovative curriculum, and most importantly a sense of safety and wellbeing in our buildings."

Goncalves continued:

"To this end, my building-based teams will be on heightened alert over the next few weeks and we will be introducing enhanced screening policies for all visitors and entrants into our buildings. We continue to work closely with our local police department and school resources officers in monitoring any potential threat to ensure everyone's continued safety. My heart is heavy with the sense of loss that our friends are suffering in Texas and I urge you to please reach out to our guidance professionals at your building if you need any assistance in this time of extreme loss."

"May God bless our friends in Texas and our community here in Bloomfield," he concluded.

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