PARKLAND, FL – Today, the families of the victims in this year’s tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School issued the following response through their organization, Stand with Parkland, to yesterday’s shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA.
“As the families of those who tragically lost their lives in Parkland earlier this year, we know all too well the overwhelming grief felt by those who lost their loved ones in this senseless act of violence. We are profoundly saddened that our nation has suffered yet another mass shooting. To the families that lost their loved ones, as well as, to everyone affected by this tragic event we offer our sincere condolences.
“While details are still emerging about exactly what took place yesterday, it is clear that we are not doing enough as a society to prevent these horrific events.
“We praise the actions of the first responders, especially. Sgt. Ron Helus who lost his life as a result of this event. Clearly, action is needed, it is past time for all state and federal elected officials to come together and make changes to help prevent these senseless acts in the future.
“No more excuses, the divisive rhetoric must stop, and all Americans must look for the things that unite us and come together to stop these tragedies.”
Stand with Parkland is a national organization representing American families. We are committed to advocating for practical public safety reforms focused on the safety of our children and staff at school, improved mental health support, and responsible firearms ownership. Personal responsibility and a desire for change are paramount to this effort, and it is the people involved at all levels that will make these goals a reality. Violence in our schools affects everyone. It is an American epidemic, and it is time that we all come together to do something about it.
Stand with Parkland’s families are committed to safe schools for our nation’s students and staff members and to achieving concrete results at the federal, state, and local level. More information is available at www.standwithparkland.org.
