DNC Chair Jaime Harrison issued the following statement:

One of the hardest things to do as a parent is drop your kids off at school knowing you won’t be there to protect them. Everyday worries — whether they will scrape their knee at recess or if they will have to deal with a bully — these things are stressful enough for parents.

My heart and mind cannot fathom the pain, fear, grief, and anger these families must be experiencing now. School is supposed to be a place of learning and fun with friends — a place where every kid should feel comfortable and where every parent can send their children and know they will come home safe and sound.

We cannot continue to live this way. We can and should offer prayers tonight, but we have to be justified by works — not by faith alone. We owe our children and our teachers more than thoughts and prayers. We owe them action.