Massachusetts Lawmakers React To Texas Shooting: 'We Need Action Now'

MASSACHUSETTS — As some schools across Massachusetts step up security Wednesday in the wake of Tuesday's school shooting in Texas that killed at least 19 students and two teachers, local lawmakers are speaking out and sharing their sorrow.

Tuesday's shooting is the deadliest at a U.S. elementary school since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012. A lone gunman, identified by investigators as 18-year-old Salvadar Ramos, entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and killed at least 19 children in the same fourth-grade classroom and two teachers before being killed by police. Ramos also shot and wounded his grandmother earlier that day.

President Biden ordered the American flag be flown at half-staff on all government and military buildings until sunset Saturday.

Boston Public Schools offered a list of resources for families and educators who aren't sure how to talk to kids about recent shootings.

Read More: How To Talk To Kids About Gun Violence: BPS

Tewksbury and Medfield Police Departments offered their condolences to those affected by the ruthless tragedy in Texas and explained that they will be adding extra security to their respective school districts - both to assure safety and to help answer whatever questions students have.

Tewksbury police even brought in "Officer Waffles" the department's comfort dog in an effort to help ease a little anxiety at the middle school.

"Hug your children tonight," Salem Superintendent Steve Zrike said in a social media post on Tuesday night. "What an unspeakable tragedy. Families should never worry if their children will come home safe each day. Schools must be peaceful spaces for kids and educators."

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) said the killings were the latest indication that "what is clear is that it is too easy for the wrong people to get guns and commit murder. We have to stop this. There is much more we can do. And we must."

He added on Wednesday morning that those actions include red flag laws that prevent potentially troubled individuals from obtaining guns, stronger background checks and raising the purchase age for firearms to 21 years old nationwide.

"All kids deserve to feel safe, and I am heartbroken that these acts of violence continue to happen in schools," Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement Tuesday. "I am horrified by the senseless act of violence and lives lost at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. My thoughts are with the students, teachers, and families as they cope with this tragedy."

Some lawmakers are working to push for actual change. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, who represents Newton, Brookline, and the rest of Massachusetts' Fourth Congressional District, has called to disband the National Rifle Association.

"The NRA should cancel its convention, but it won't – it'll run the same playbook it has since Columbine," he continued. "Will any politician who is planning to address the convention speak the plain truth to their craven power? The NRA has blood on its hands. It must be disbanded."

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey called for more steps to secure safety, saying "Heartbreaking. Devastating. Infuriating. But nothing compares to the unimaginable pain felt by families in Uvalde today. Our country needs more than thoughts and prayers. We need action now."

Members of the New England Patriots also shared their grief on social media. "Devastating. Heartbreaking. Unimaginable. Lord, watch over every single person affected by this continued evil. WE NEED CHANGE, NOW!!!" running back Damien Harris said.

"What will it take to change the laws and better prevent this to happen??" safety Adrian Phillips said. "It's Painfully obvious that the current laws don't work."