ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A recent school shooting in Minneapolis has left local parents concerned about their children’s safety at school. News10NBC’s Marsha Augustin spoke with parents and gun safety advocates in the area.
“It certainly happens far too often,” Deborah Antoniades said.
Antoniades is a member of Moms Demand Action, a group that recently received a proclamation from the town of Brighton for its advocacy work through the Be Smart program. The initiative promotes secure gun storage to keep firearms out of children’s hands. Antoniades shared her experience of hearing her 5-year-old grandson describe a shelter-in-place drill at school.
“I saw this innocence and he was sharing, we have to be quiet. We have to wait until the teacher turns on the lights, we can’t talk amongst ourselves. It was heartbreaking and infuriating,” Antoniades said.
Antoniades mentioned that about three-quarters of school shooters use unsecured guns from family members.
Stephanie Dubina, whose children are still in daycare, expressed her concerns about when they start school.
“I do fear for the day they start kindergarten and will be in a center where there is not that much protection,” Dubina said. “So it’s just sad to see this is where we are at.”
Davona Burrows, a parent attending a back-to-school supply event at the Boys and Girls Club in Rochester, shared her worries about her daughter’s school’s security measures.
“What do we have in place? We have the scanners, right, but what else do we have in place? Do we have armed security? Do we have enough professional personnel at the door?” Burrows said.
Candace Graham, who homeschools her children, still discusses school shootings with them.
“As far as the empathy that we still have to have, as far as the information and the understanding and compassion that I want him and his siblings to still have for kids who are in these situations,” Graham said.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester expressed that they are united in prayer for the victims of the school shooting.
The Diocese’s statement follows:
The Diocese of Rochester is united in prayer for our suffering sisters and brothers, the victims of the tragic shooting of Annunciation Catholic School children and adults in Minneapolis, Minnesota, claiming lives and inflicting great harm to the children, families and community. Bishop Matano offered Mass this afternoon for the Annunciation Catholic School community, praying that they may know the abiding presence of Jesus Christ, who said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14).
We also pray for all in law enforcement and first responders whose efforts seek to preserve our safety and well-being and daily respond to so many life-threatening situations.
As this horrific event continues to be investigated, our prayers also extend to our young people and their families who prepare to soon begin the new school year. While we have not had any incidents of this nature in our schools, our Diocesan Catholic Schools conscientiously continue to follow the State’s laws and regulations regarding school safety plans, taking every precaution to keep our schools safe and free from harm.
May we learn anew the dignity of every human life as a precious gift from God. Once again, the Bishop asks that this Friday be a day of prayer and penance, pleading that the violence plaguing our society will come to an end and those in leadership will work cooperatively to arrive at a just and lasting peace, a peace that will be a worthy inheritance of our children.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
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