There was an increased law enforcement presence Wednesday around D.C. area schools after Tuesday’s shooting in Texas that killed 19 children and two adults.
Among the schools that will ramp up security include:
DC schools
Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said there will be a “layered security and safety approach with school security guards and highly trained, youth-specific” D.C. police school resources officers.
Maryland
Anne Arundel County schools: Anne Arundel County police said they will have additional presence at school Tuesday to “help relieve anxiety of families, students and staff.”
Montgomery County schools: Montgomery County police community engagement officers will be continuously checking on schools.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said the state’s security team — including Maryland State Police and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management — will provide Texas officials additional support and assistance.
“Schools should never be a place of fear. No mom or dad should ever have to worry when they send their kids off to school whether they’ll come home safely,” Hogan said in a statement.
Virginia
Loudoun County schools: The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will have an increased presence at elementary schools over the next several days.
Maryland’s and Virginia’s governors have expressed sympathy to the families and residents in Uvalde, Texas.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin ordered the state flags to be flown at half-staff at local, state and federal buildings in the commonwealth through Saturday at sunset.
WTOP’s Juan Herrera contributed to this report.
