Crime & Safety

Arcadia Officials React to Newtown School Shooting

Officials across Arcadia reacted to the Connecticut elementary school shooting that left 28 people dead Friday morning.

Local officials and agencies reacted Friday to the mass shooting at a Newtown, Conn. elementary school that left 28 people dead, including 20 children. The suspect in the shooting has been identified by authorities as Adam Lanza, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Here's a round-up of local reaction:

  • Arcadia Unified School District Superintendent Joel Shawn issued the following statement:

The entire Arcadia School Community is deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy that occurred this morning in Connecticut.  We collectively grieve for the innocent lives lost and marvel at the bravery displayed by teachers and school leaders.  This type of event always causes us to reflect on our own safety standards and practices.  I want to assure the Arcadia Community that the school district staff is committed to doing everything possible to keep our students safe.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families, staff, and community of the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

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  • Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca issued the following statement:

Our sympathies and prayers go out to everyone associated with the terrible tragedy today at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in the community of Newtown, Connecticut.

Your children will hear about this incident through friends or others and so talking with them about it in a calm way is a good idea. Give them a chance to talk about how they feel, reassure them, and help them (and you) not to feel overwhelmed. Discuss with them about people reporting to schol officials if they see someone who does not belong on campus, or hear someone making threats.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, the first responders at Newtown Police Department, and all who were impacted by the tragedy in Newtown, CT.

Safety at our schools is always a priority with the Arcadia Police Department and all law enforcement. Our officers are trained and equipped to respond to situations involving active shooters and other threats similar to this senseless violence. While we cannot change what has occurred, we always prepare for the future. Hug your kids, talk with them, and reassure them...

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  • Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-El Monte), who represents Arcadia in the 27th district, wrote the following on Facebook:

My heart goes out to the victims and families of Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. I am shocked and saddened by this senseless tragedy against school employees and children. We must all support the people of Newtown, Connecticut during this very difficult time.

We’re so saddened by the tragic school shooting taken place at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families & all those affected.


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