Utah leaders, organizations react to deadly shooting at Texas elementary school

SALT LAKE CITY — Several Utah leaders and organizations shared their thoughts following a deadly shooting Tuesday at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that claimed the lives of 19 students and two adults. Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson released a joint statement in which they expressed their devastation for the events. "It's hard to imagine a more heinous crime, and we pray for the students, educators, families, law enforcement officers, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence. Even as we mourn for the victims, we urge parents and students to download the SAFEUT app and to say something if you see warning signs." https://twitter.com/GovCox/status/1529232832773599232 Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said, "Like most Utahns, I am sad and angry over the mass killings in Uvalde, Texas. Utah must continue its efforts to make schools safe and secure for teachers and students. More and better counseling, single entry points, and more security in K-12 is a goal we can and should achieve!" https://twitter.com/GovHerbert/status/1529480860893708288 Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams wrote that he is "heartbroken" by the shooting and that he is praying for the families who were affected by this "horrific, senseless act." https://twitter.com/JStuartAdams/status/1529258392816013312 Brad Wilson, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, said, "Words will never be able to properly express the heartbreak we are all feeling right now. I mourn with the parents, siblings, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives yesterday." https://twitter.com/BradWilsonGOP/status/1529492774810054656 Sen. Mitt Romney described the mass shooting as "incomprehensible." He then offered prayers and condolences to those affected, but said he knows that is grossly inadequate, adding that "we must find answers." https://twitter.com/MittRomney/status/1529231584217468928 Sen. Mike Lee shared a brief message on Twitter that states, "My heart breaks at the tragic news from Texas today. I pray for the victims, their families, and for our nation at this difficult time." https://twitter.com/SenMikeLee/status/1529217802699264000 Rep. Burgess Owens said what happened at the school Tuesday "is every parent's worst nightmare," adding that he is "horrified by this senseless tragedy and heartbroken for these innocent children and their families." https://twitter.com/RepBurgessOwens/status/1529234415628562432 Rep. Blake Moore stated that he cleared his schedule Wednesday morning to walk his boys to school, adding that "I don't yet know how to talk to them about what happened yesterday in Uvalde." https://twitter.com/RepBlakeMoore/status/1529481070676443137 Moore told his constituents in his Twitter post, "I am someone who seeks unity, not division; avoids divisive rhetoric; and focuses on creating the type of world we want for our kids." He concluded his remarks by saying, "Jane and I are heartbroken by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to each impacted family and pray they find peace." https://twitter.com/RepBlakeMoore/status/1529481073100566531 Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson wrote, "As a mother and Mayor, I am broken hearted but also outraged by the senseless act of violence against children in Texas." She said many elected officials stand ready to enact further laws to protect communities from this kind of violence, finishing her thoughts with #EndGunViolence. https://twitter.com/SLCoMayor/status/1529232718487121920 Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall shared similar sentiments, saying, in part, "As a mother of three children, I can't imagine the sorrow and anguish too many parents have suffered through as a result of gun violence." She concluded her statement by saying, "It is far beyond time we, as a nation, take action to eliminate these senseless tragedies." https://twitter.com/slcmayor/status/1529281125356425216 Draper City officials encouraged students, parents and teachers who are in need of mental health support, or who know of someone who does, following the "horrific act of violence" in Uvalde, Texas, to contact the SAFE UT app. https://twitter.com/drapercity/status/1529484398747275267 Officials with Better Utah posted on Twitter Wednesday morning saying they "mourn with those who mourn" after the horrific shooting. "We are reminded that none of us are truly free as long as our children and families have to live under the constant fear of gun violence in our communities." https://twitter.com/betterutah/status/1529479749872939008 Officials with the SAFE UT app said they are "deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn about the devastating tragedy," adding that their thoughts "are with the victims' families and community." They went on in their statement to remind Utahns about the SAFE UT app, which allows students, parents/guardians and educators throughout the state to report suspicious activity and connect with counselors. "We want to raise awareness of this situation and remind you the SAFE UT app is a no-cost resource available to students, parents/guardians, and educators throughout Utah. If you hear or see something concerning, use the apps tip feature to submit a confidential tip. As with any tip we receive, our team of counselors work with school administrators and law enforcement as necessary." https://twitter.com/Safe_UT/status/1529228754522112000 The statement reads in full:

We are deeply saddened and heartbroken to learn about the devastating tragedy that occurred at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday May 24th. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and community. We want to raise awareness of this situation and remind you the SAFE UT app is a no-cost resource available to students, parents/guardians, and educators throughout Utah. If you hear or see something concerning, use the apps tip feature to submit a confidential tip. As with any tip we receive, our team of counselors work with school administrators and law enforcement as necessary. With any threat, immediately reporting concerns to SafeUT and proper authorities ensures the information gets to someone who can investigate it. When we receive multiple tips about the same topics, it shows the community is working together and that students, parents/guardians, and educators are not assuming someone else has reported the possible threat. The entire SafeUT team greatly appreciates the collaboration with schools throughout Utah. We can come together to save lives.

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