WASHINGTON — Schools across the DMV are planning to have an increased police presence on campus following a mass shooting at a Uvalde, Texas elementary school that claimed the lives of at least 19 children.
Governor Greg Abbott said the 18-year-old man walked into Robb Elementary School, about 85 miles west of San Antonio, and opened fire. It was the deadliest school shooting in Texas history and the deadliest shooting at a U.S. grade school since a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.
The deadly shooting led schools in Maryland and Virginia to announce plans to have a higher police presence on campuses Wednesday.
In Loudoun County, the sheriff's office (LCSO) tweeted an announcement that more deputies will be at schools to "ensure that our community feels safe." LCSO said there are no reported threats but the higher than usual presence is out of caution.
The City of Hyattsville Police Department will also have a higher presence than usual at schools within the city in order to provide reassurance to the community.
"That plan includes increased patrols at all of our schools, both on foot and in vehicles, the monitoring of social media for copy-cat threats, and speaking with parents, educators and community members to answer questions and ease fears," the department tweeted.
Takoma Park Police also said they will increase patrols Wednesday.
"We want to provide assurance to those we have sworn to serve and protect in the City of Takoma Park; therefore, we plan to increase our patrols at all of our schools, both on foot and in vehicles. We also plan to monitor social media channels for any threats. We are prepared to speak with parents, educators, and community members to answer any questions and ease fears," the department said in a tweet.
Seat Pleasant Police in Maryland said they will increase police presence for the remainder of the school year at Seat Pleasant Elementary School.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those lost at Robb Elementary yesterday in Uvalde, Texas. In light of this SPPD will have an increased presence at Seat Pleasant Elementary throughout the remainder of the school year," the department said.
Students in Anne Arundel County will also see more law enforcement at schools. The Anne Arundel County Police Department says they are doing it not because of any threat but in order to help students feel secure.
The push comes after Ballou High School families were notified of a reported assault days after it happened, and after a parent posted about it on Facebook live.