Valentine Calls for Action After School Shooting in St. Louis

On Monday, a student and a teacher were killed in a school shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in South City St. Louis. Seven were injured. After a gunfight with the authorities, the suspect was pronounced dead.

Police uncovered a handwritten note at the scene from the gunman. This is still under investigation, but reports mention the possibility of mental illness being the motivation for tragedy.

(Video source)

Many students have shared their traumatizing encounters with the gunman. One girl reported that her friend came face to face with him, where he said “you ready to die?”

Another said, “I was trying to run but I couldn’t run. We made eye contact but I made it out because his gun was jammed.”

The potential outcome of this shooting could have been exponentially worse, and luckily the scene was quickly tended to by the police. However, just because it could have been way worse, or the fact that the gunman was killed by the authorities doesn’t undermine the tragedy and trauma that these students will carry with them. Trudy Busch Valentine tweeted, “extending thoughts and prayers is simply not enough to address the ongoing epidemic of gun violence,” and then released her official statement:

Image source

Addressing gun violence has always been a part of Valentine’s platform. She has said that in the U.S. Senate she will support various common-sense gun safety reforms, work to keep military-style assault weapons out of the wrong hands, and also aim to prevent people who have been reported by mental health services from purchasing guns. On top of reinforcing her agenda in the face of this tragedy, she also commended the officers for their bravery and quick action.

Valentine has also mentioned the obvious, no one should have to worry about being shot at school, or anywhere in America. There is little media coverage in regards to the shooting in St. Louis a few days ago, supposedly because it was handled quickly compared to far worse instances. This may seem small on paper, but it’s not. These kids are going to always remember the terror behind this day. They might vaguely remember the “thoughts and prayers” extended from their leaders, but nothing will mean more to them than sincere efforts towards a solution.

Image Source

As November 8th quickly approaches, remember that Valentine is a mother, grandmother, and nurse. We need someone to represent Missouri who understands from every angle how difficult it will be for people in this community to move forward after such scary circumstances. We need someone who will pay their condolences while also catering to the issue at hand -- we need Valentine representing Missouri.

To find your polling place to vote in person on November 8, click here. You can also request an absentee ballot or vote early in person at your local election authority.