IN GOOD HANDS—SRO Guttman working to ensure security and safety on campus.
On Aug. 26, while participating in the Madden football video game tournament, two innocent men were killed during an open fire shooting in Jacksonville. A 24-year-old, David Katz, opened fire at a gaming bar venue, killing two men, while injuring 10 others with gunshot wounds. His intentions are still in question.
Florida has previously suffered several mass shootings in recent years including Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Pulse Night Club. These events are reminders of threats we face with gun violence in our state and the entire nation.
Annalise McDonnell ‘20, a student originally from Jacksonville said a tragedy such as this, especially having taken place in her hometown, is a devastating reminder of how gun violence issues must be taken seriously.
“We must always be aware of our surroundings and have an escape plan. Events like this can happen at any time and any place, even on our school’s campus,” she said.
With such tragedies in mind, Riverview has put priority on keeping staff and students safe. Recently, the administrative office has taken further safety precautions placing bullet-proof glass protection at the main entrance. Also, the school now has another police force member on duty at all times.
“It’s reassuring to know that my school is doing everything it can to help me feel safe, and I hope we continue to prioritize security and educate students on the seriousness of the situation at hand,” said McDonnell.
These are just the first steps being taken to ensure our school community feels protected in a safe learning environment.