St. Louis — Today, nurse and fourth-generation Missourian Trudy Busch Valentine issued the following statement on the tragic shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in south St. Louis:
“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. As a mother of six, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sent my kids off to school, as hundreds of families across St. Louis did today, thinking it was just going to be another ordinary day. There are questions about how this happened that will need to be answered. And there are people who are hurting and grieving that will need all of our support and love.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our local law enforcement agencies and school officials for their quick action and response in the face of such dangerous circumstances. I know these are the situations you proudly train and prepare for, but pray you never have to experience. I thank you for your dedication, commitment, and bravery.
“But I want to be clear. Extending thoughts and prayers is not enough to address the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in our country. Shootings are still a daily occurence in far too many communities – even if they don’t make the evening news. No child or person should have to be afraid of getting shot or killed in schools, places of worship, grocery stores, movie theaters, or anywhere else. We all deserve safe neighborhoods.
“I am committed to doing everything I can in the United States Senate to pass common-sense gun safety measures that a majority of Missourians support, including universal background checks, red flag laws, expanding access to mental health treatment, and getting military-style assault weapons out of the wrong hands.
“To the staff and leadership at St. Louis Public Schools and to the people of the City of St. Louis, I know there are going to be some tough days ahead as you process this terrible tragedy and begin to mourn and navigate its lasting impact on you. My heart is with you during this extremely difficult time.”
About Trudy Busch Valentine
Trudy Busch Valentine is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Roy Blunt. Trudy is a fourth-generation Missourian, mother, grandmother, nurse, and advocate for children’s causes. Trudy serves on a nursing board and multiple charitable organizations that focus on children’s issues. Now Trudy is running to put politics aside, stand up for all the families who are just barely getting by, and put Missourians first.
