By David Heitz / NewsBreak Denver
(Denver, Colo.) The chairwoman of the Denver City Council Safety, Housing, Education and Homelessness Committee canceled the meeting Wednesday just minutes after learning of the shooting at East High School.
The group came together in person and online to call the meeting to order, say a few words, and adjourn.
“Two adults have been shot and are being transported to a hospital,” council member Robin Kniech said as the meeting began. “Their status is unknown. We have decided to cancel this meeting … because our council members, our presenters and our city is in shock, our students are in lockdown, it’s an absolutely unacceptable moment and the business of this city cannot move forward.”
Council members have children in school
Council President Jamie Torres noted that some members of the council have children in school. She said it is “shocking and infuriating” that yet another shooting has occurred “and I think all of us want to be part of more and better transformation.
“We are in solidarity with East High School right now and the students who one month ago asked this body and asked this country to start making changes to keep them safe to keep their peers safe and at the local, state and federal level that has to happen and that has to happen immediately,” Torres said.
The strong response could be a precursor to a youth violence discussion. Late Wednesday, the Denver Post reported Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero has ordered police be stationed at the high schools. The board removed police from the schools after the George Floyd protests. Members said students of color were unfairly targeted by police. The superintendent said he is aware his decision may violate district policy and is willing to face the consequences.
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