Increased Patrols At Warren Schools After Deadly Texas Shooting

WARREN, NJ — There will be an increase in police presence at all Warren Township schools after a gunman killed at least 19 students and 2 adults at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday.

"I can’t find the right words to express my processing of the tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas yesterday. I’m sure everyone hugged their children a little tighter last evening," said Warren Superintendent Dr. Matthew Mingle.

While there is no local threat, Mingle spoke with Warren Police Chief William Keane on Tuesday night.

"You will likely notice a more visible police presence in and around our schools. This is not in response to any local threat or concern; this is a proactive measure to help reassure the community that we work day in and day out to keep our students and staff members healthy and safe so that they can learn," said Mingle.

Additionally, the district's school counselors, psychologists, and social workers on staff will be available to anyone who needs it.

Any parent with concerns about their child’s well-being is asked to contact their child’s teacher, counselor, or school principal. If anyone has knowledge of any threats to school safety, they are asked to call 911 to share that information right away.

"We all have a role to play to keep our schools welcoming while also ensuring they are safe and secure. Thank you for your continued partnership in these efforts," said Mingle.

Warren's actions follow in line with Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin, who 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 New Jersey county prosecutors have also been instructed to increase local police presence at schools in their jurisdictions. Read More: More Police To Patrol NJ Schools After Texas Shooting, AG Says

All of this follows the Texas shooting, which is the deadliest at a U.S. elementary school since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012. It also comes four years after a gunman killed 10 people in a shooting at Santa Fe High School in the Houston area. Read More: Texas School Shooting: 19 Children Killed In Uvalde

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