NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee Congressmen and Senators reacted Tuesday afternoon after a gunman killed 14 kids and one teacher at a Texas elementary school.
Police said the gunman, an 18-year-old man, was killed at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, which is about 85 miles west of San Antonio. President Joe Biden is expected to speak about the shooting Tuesday night.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, took to Twitter to express her condolences to those involved.
Horrified and heartbroken to learn of the significant loss of life in the shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Please join me in lifting their loved ones up in prayer.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) May 24, 2022
Thank you to the local first responders working on the scene.
Sen Bill Hagerty expressed similar emotions to Blackburn.
The horrible news out of Uvalde, Texas, is gut-wrenching. 14 innocent and precious lives lost—it’s unspeakable. We pray for this school. We pray for the families. We pray for this community. And we pray for our Nation. https://t.co/3p38SXGVBS
— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) May 24, 2022
Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, questioned when the legislation would take place to address the issue.
This is just gut-wrenching. Another school targeted in a mass shooting. More innocent children lost. More grieving families who will never hug their children again.
— Jim Cooper (@repjimcooper) May 24, 2022
What will it take for Republicans to support ANY measure to stop the senseless gun violence in America? https://t.co/Fj04iEkmly
Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, lambasted Republicans for their response to the shooting.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the school district would check its protocols.
Laura and I are heartbroken at the tragic, horrific news coming out of Texas. Days like today have become too common, and it shocks the conscience. Chief Drake and I have spoken, & officials at @MNPDNashville and @MetroSchools are reviewing security protocols at all our schools.
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) May 24, 2022
Additionally, Director of Schools Adrienne Battle issued a reaction following the shooting.
“We are devastated by the senseless, horrific shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that has caused the death of several students and teachers," she said. "Children have the right to learn and thrive in a safe environment, free from violence or tragedy, and far too often society fails in protecting that right. Our hearts go out to all the families in Uvalde who have lost loved ones. We will be working with our student support services team to offer our teachers and staff the necessary tools to help themselves and their students process this tragic event, and we will be consulting with the Metro Nashville Police Department and MNPS Security to determine any additional steps that should be taken in the immediate aftermath."
Other Republican Congressmen joined the conversation along with Tennessee's governor.
Maria and I are heartbroken by the horrific tragedy in Uvalde, Texas and join the nation in mourning the loss of innocent lives. We lift up their families in prayer and thank all the first responders who acted quickly.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 25, 2022
Camie and I join Tennesseans in praying for the Uvalde community as we mourn this horrific tragedy.
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) May 24, 2022
Amy and I are praying for the victims and the families of those devastated by today’s horrific act of violence in Texas.
— Scott DesJarlais (@DesJarlaisTN04) May 24, 2022
This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Please keep the Uvalde community in your thoughts tonight.
