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Metro Atlanta schools increase security after Texas shooting
Many parents are waking up Wednesday morning worried about sending their own children to school after the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook. In metro Atlanta, school officials say they'll conduct extra patrols around campus.
ATLANTA - Many school districts will be increasing security starting Wednesday morning after the deadliest shooting at a U.S. grade school since a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, almost a decade ago.
An 18-year-old gunman opened fire Tuesday at a Texas elementary school, killing at least 19 children and two adults as he went from classroom to classroom, officials said, in the latest gruesome moment for a country scarred by a string of massacres. The assailant was killed by law enforcement.
UVALDE, TEXAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING: THE LATEST
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Metro Atlanta schools see increase in security after Texas elementary school shooting
Some parents welcome the added patrols while some are concerned schools are looking more like prisons as schools and law enforcement increase security following the Texas elementary school shooting.
The death toll at Robb Elementary School also included three adults, according to state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who said he had been briefed by state police. But it was not immediately clear whether that number included the attacker.
In Gwinnett County, the police department said it will be assisting the GCPS School Police Department to conduct extra patrols and provide a highly visible presence at all schools in the county.
"While there are no known threats to any school in Gwinnett, our officers will be on hand for the safety and comfort of our residents," reads a statement released by the Gwinnett County Police Department on Tuesday evening.
UVALDE, TEXAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING: GEORGIA LAWMAKERS REACT
The district is the largest in Georgia and the 13th largest in the country. It has just under 200,000 students.
"The Gwinnett Police Department would like to offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims in the shooting today at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas," the police department wrote.
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Victims identified in Texas elementary school shooting
New details are emerging about the victims of the Texas elementary school shooting.
The Fulton County School District echoed similar feelings.
"For the families at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, we send our thoughts and love. Even though your school may be far from ours, a senseless act such as this impacts us all. For our Fulton families, in the remaining two days of the school year the Fulton County Police Department, Campus Security Associates, and administrators will be vigilant and aware of the safety concerns our community will have in the wake of this tragedy," read a statement released by Georgia's fourth-largest school district.
Officials urge anyone who would like to talk about the tragedy to reach out to school administrators, teachers, or trusted adults.
"As we close the school year and head into summer with the complex emotions this tragedy will create, please remember to reach out to each other to provide support and care," the statement concludes.
Marietta interim police chief Marty Ferrell said he reassigned officers to increase the visible law enforcement presence on Wednesday.
Troup County Sheriff's Office said deputies would be patrolling halls on county's the last day of school.
Other school districts, including Henry and Barrow counties, put out statements with thoughts, prayers, and condolences for the victims' families.
A motive behind the deadly mass shooting at the Texas elementary school has not yet been revealed.