Local leaders, citizens react to Connecticut shooting

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Local leaders and residents reacted to Friday morning’s elementary school shooting in Connecticut, in which at least 28 people were killed, 20 of whom were children, with shock, confusion, and an urgency to continue efforts to make institutions of learning safe.

The shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. According to the Associated Press, law enforcement authorities reportedly identified the gunman as 20-year-old Adam Lanza of Hoboken, NJ; he was the son of Nancy Lanza, who may have once worked at the campus in question. She was reportedly killed in her home. It’s also been reported that Adam Lanza, who authorities believe was carrying two pistols during the crime, committed suicide at the school.

In memory of the victims, President Barack Obama has ordered that American flags be flown at half-staff on December 18, at least until sunset. In a statement made Friday addressing the school shooting in Newtown, President Obama said, “As a country, we have been through this too many times. Whether it’s an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago – these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children.”

Meanwhile, Americans have responded to the school shooting in Newtown, which is already considered among the worst in United States history, with an outpouring of support for those affected by the tragedy. It can be argued that such support may only be matched by outrage, not to mention the decades-old gun control debate that’s also been reignited as a result.

San Benito has not been the exception.

The immediate reaction of Antonio G. Limón, Superintendent of Schools for the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, was to email department heads, security personnel, members of the Board of Trustees and the media with reminders to remain vigilant of all procedures and protocols involving campus and student safety.

“In light of what happened with today’s shooting in Connecticut involving elementary school children and staff members, I would like to remind our school principals about the importance of following the district’s safety measures and procedures,” Limón stated. “Please remind staff members about the importance of enforcing check-in policies and screening procedures with all…visitors, keeping doors secure, etc.”

“We want to encourage our schools to hold routine drills and review campus lock-down procedures with your entire staff, whenever necessary,” Limón continued. “Staff members [should] also be reminded to be extra vigilant and report suspicious individuals to the proper authorities, if the need arises.

“Our San Benito parents, just like other parents around the nation, will have a heightened sense of concern about the safety of their children. Let us all work together to ensure the safety of all of the children we serve while they are in our care. Please keep the Connecticut community in your thoughts and prayers.”

San Benito CISD Police Chief Santiago R. Garcia, who is charged with upholding law and order and maintaining the safety of the campuses and school district facilities, suggested a method he believes may be beneficial.

“We run lockdowns periodically with the school principals, but personally I would like to have [students learn the sounds] of ammo blanks, so the kids can hear those sounds,” Chief Garcia said. “That way, once [students] hear those pops, they can relate to it, and instead of guessing what that sound is, the moment they hear it they can react, turn off the lights and lock the doors.”

“This is sad,” Chief Garcia further remarked about the Newtown school shooting. “This is an elementary school. They were practically babies. So I think we need to stay alert and just train.”

Local residents and former students of San Benito schools were contemplative in their response.

Arlo Flores, 31, of San Benito had this to say in response to a San Benito News Facebook post about Friday’s shooting: “It’s natural for a society to begin to ‘demand justice’ following the aftermath of such a tragedy. Speaking as an advocate for gun control I would say that now is not the time to demand stricter laws. Now is the time to come together to comfort those who have lost so much. When emotions have subsided and cooler heads prevail then both sides of the gun control debate can sit down and discuss ways to prevent this type of tragedy.”

Gustavo Gonzalez, 31, also of San Benito said, “There are plenty of gun controls already in place. You cannot purchase a firearm from a dealer without first passing an FBI background check. The National Firearms Act of 1934 already heavily regulates civilian access to many restricted firearms, for example machine guns. But that aside this is truly a tragic event.”

Leo Rodriguez, 56, of San Benito had this to say: “I am a firm believer in that old bumper sticker that read: ‘If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.’”

Cesar Quintanilla, Jr., 32, of San Benito offered this spiritual note: “We need to realize our issues are much more deep-rooted than a superficial solution. We need to call out the One that is, was, and always will be the solution. The One that for so long was a base and foundation of our lives that has long since been pushed out and forgotten in the big picture. We call on Him when we need, but once we see normality within reach, we put Him back where we feel He belongs… Our solution lies in His Word. Our direction lies in prayer. Our healing is in His hands. We need to call, cry out to, and look wholeheartedly for Jesus.”

Read this story in the Dec. 16 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.