Newark Schools Were At 'Heightened Alert' Before Texas Shooting: León

NEWARK, NJ — Newark’s public schools have already been at a “heightened level of alert” for several months. But after the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the Newark Public School District has seen “yet another extensive review of its safety protocols at every school,” according to Superintendent Roger León.

In the wake of the shooting, 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: Texas School Shooting: Gunman Killed 19 Kids, 2 Teachers In Same Class
• Read More: More Police To Patrol NJ Schools After Texas Shooting, AG Says
• Read More: Newark Mayor Calls For 'Common Sense Gun Control' After Texas Shooting

León released a statement about the shooting on Wednesday evening, noting that the Newark school district is sending its deepest condolences to the entire town of Uvalde, Texas.

He wrote:

“While we cannot begin to fathom the pain resulting from the horror of the senseless tragedy at Robb Elementary School, we in Newark will not allow the loss of these precious lives to have been in vain. For several months, we have been working at a heightened level of alert because of reported threats nationally, in New Jersey, and more specifically here in Newark. Yesterday’s tragedy resulted in yet another extensive review of our safety protocols at every school. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.

“I want to thank our principals, administrators, central office staff, teachers, social workers, guidance counselors, nurses, school safety officers, security guards, and all of our other instructional and non-instructional staff members who work tirelessly to create the safest working environment in our schools. I want our students to know that the great work of the staff here in Newark’s schools is because of the greatness of our students and their families. We remind everyone that we have staff and resources to help address any of the needs of our students, and I remind our students to reach out to an adult who cares and loves them when they are feeling alone, lost, or in a dark space. We didn’t need coronavirus to teach us that mental illness is real. We are very cognizant of this reality, some awakened faster to it because of the last two years, but we double down on our commitment to let every student know that we are here for you. And equally important, we need every student to help us make this an even better world for us all.

“In Newark’s schools, families and friends are hugging their children a little bit tighter today. Our heavy hearts are with you, Uvalde.”

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