A search for answers, solutions begins after devastating attack on Nashville school
In the wake of a school shooting in Nashville that claimed six victims, middle Tennessee policymakers and policy advocates are speaking out and searching for solutions.
The shooting at Covenant School - a private, pre-k-6 school in Nashville's Green Hills community - claimed three students (all age 9) and three adults who were employed by the school.
Now, those in the public policy realm are seeking both answers to what happened and solutions to prevent a similar event from happening again.
Tennessee State Senator Charlane Oliver, of Nashville, said:
“I’m out of words to describe how saddened I am by another tragic, senseless shooting. Kids are dead. Again. My heart goes out to the three babies and three adults who woke up not knowing today would be their last. I’m sick and tired of innocent people being murdered.”
The Southern Christian Coalition called for gun policy reform and noted the incident shows action on gun policy is long overdue in Tennessee:
"We are devastated by the death of 3 children and 3 teachers at Covenant School in Nashville. We are praying for the families and community of the school and all of their loved ones. This situation is a horrific tragedy and the worst nightmare of every parent and teacher.
As pastors we have been speaking out against the loosening of gun safety legislation for years because we see the direct connection between tragic gun violence and the lack of common sense laws. While today we pray and we grieve, we know that prayers are not enough and we will continue to demand policy that prioritizes the safety of students. Our children, across race, place, and background have invaluable worth and it's past time to demand what our families need so that every child in every corner of our state has the freedom to thrive and pursue their dreams, no exceptions."
Tennessee doctors affiliated with the Protect My Care healthcare policy advocacy group said assault weapons should take a back seat to the need to protect the lives of children.
“The right of our children to live should trump anyone's right to own an assault weapon,” said Dr. Katrina Green, an emergency physician practicing in Nashville. “They are worth more than any Tennessee politicians in power who block common sense gun safety measures that the vast majority of us favor. They hope that if we fear each other we will look the other way, while they do untold damage to our communities."
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