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READ: Michigan leaders release statements following deadly Oxford High School shooting

Whitmer
Posted at 4:19 PM, Nov 30, 2021
and last updated 2021-11-30 16:45:16-05

(WXYZ) — Leaders from across Michigan are releasing statements, giving their thoughts to the parents, students and teachers after a deadly shooting at Oxford High School on Tuesday afternoon.

Related: Here's what we know about the Oxford High School shooting that left 3 dead, multiple injured

The shooting left three people, who are all believed to be students, dead, and several others injured.

Related: LIVE COVERAGE: 3 dead in Oxford High School shooting, multiple injured

Police say the suspect is in custody and is believed to be a 15-year-old student at the school. A handgun was recovered.

The statements are below and will continue to be updated as we learn more.

President Joe Biden

“I learned about a school shooting in Michigan. As we learn the full details, my heart goes out to the families enduring the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one. That whole community has to be in a state of shock right now.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

"My heart breaks for the students, teachers, staff, and families of Oxford High School. The death of multiple students and the shooting of many others, including a teacher, is horrific. I want to thank the first responders on the ground working hard to keep people safe as law enforcement officials investigate this shooting and get the community the help it needs right now.

“As Michiganders, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect each other from gun violence. No one should be afraid to go to school, work, a house of worship, or even their own home. Gun violence is a public health crisis that claims lives every day. We have the tools to reduce gun violence in Michigan. This is a time for us to come together and help our children feel safe at school.

“My heart is with the parents who had their children taken from them today and with the entire community in Oxford."
Gov. Whitmer statement on Oxford High School shooting

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter

"I’m horrified by this tragic shooting at Oxford High School today. The entire Oakland County community is in shock by this terrifying display of violence and our thoughts are with Oxford families tonight.

"I’m grateful for the quick response from the Oakland Co. Sheriff’s Department and all the first responders. The county’s Emergency Ops Center has been activated to offer any support and assistance needed by first responders and the families in Oxford today and in the days ahead."

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

“My heart goes out to the parents who have lost their children and to the students, teachers, staff, and families reeling from the tragedy of a school shooting within their community. My department has reached out to local law enforcement to offer assistance as this investigation unfolds and I want to extend my sincere gratitude to first responders on the scene.

“We must act [to] properly address gun violence in our schools and the ongoing threat of another unconscionable tragedy if we continue to only offer thoughts and prayers. Our kids deserve better."
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Michigan Rep. John Reilly

“My heart goes out to students, staff and their families after the despicable shooting at Oxford High School. I am praying for a quick recovery for those who have been wounded, and comfort for families and friends grieving lost loved ones. A tragedy like this shocks us all, and we need to support the people who endured this horrific trauma. Our community is unified in the face of this heinous act of violence, and we are especially grateful to our law enforcement officers and first responders for their efforts.”

State Sen. Rosemary Bayer

“The news of today’s school shooting at Oxford High School is simply horrifying. On top of an already difficult situation with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our students now have to face this traumatic situation in a place that is supposed to be a safe space for learning and growth.

“My heart goes out to all those involved. I am working with local authorities to understand all the information and provide as much assistance as my office can. I encourage anyone with information about this situation to share it with the police, and I thank our local responders for their swift assistance and response during this difficult time.”

MEA President Paula Herbart and NEA President Becky Pringle

“News of the shooting today at Oxford High School was horrifying for us both as educators and as parents. School should be a safe place for students and employees alike – but today that safety was shattered by gunshots.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, as well as all the Oxford students and educators who’ll carry today with them for the rest of their lives.

“We also want to thank the dedicated first responders whose swift action was essential, especially the school resource officer who apprehended the shooter and kept more innocent lives from being lost.

“MEA and NEA are committed to working with our local members and the school district to ensure that students and employees get the emotional and physical support they need to begin recovering from this tragedy.

“Further, we remain committed to ending violence in our schools. One event like this is too many – and this is not the first time the unthinkable has happened. Addressing the mental health needs of our students and the physical safety of everyone in our schools is not a partisan issue and must be something we work together to achieve. Each of today’s victims – and every student, parent, educator and first responder – deserves that commitment from us all.”

The Diocese of Grand Rapids' Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak

"We turn to the Lord with heavy hearts as another community is torn apart by gun violence. This time, close to home.

"The hearts and prayers of Catholics in West Michigan are with the community of Oxford. I offer my personal prayers for the victims, their families, the injured, the staff and young people who witnessed this tragedy, and all those who have been deeply affected by this senseless act of violence.

'In the face of so much pain and suffering, our only course is to imitate the Good Samaritan,' Pope Francis reminds us, 'Let us take an active part in renewing and supporting our troubled societies.' (Fratelli Tutti, 67 and 77)

"We ask the Lord to grant eternal rest to those who have died. And we pray in a special way for the victims’ families and friends, may they know the comfort, love, and healing power of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Michigan Republican Party Chairman & Ambassador Ron Weiser

“There aren’t enough words to express our sorrow for the senseless act of violence that took place earlier today in Oakland County. We are keeping all Oxford High families in our prayers at this time.”

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald

“I was both horrified and saddened to learn about the shootings at Oxford High School this afternoon. My office and I have been in constant communication with the Sheriff’s Office, the Oakland County Juvenile Court, and other governmental and law enforcement bodies.

The suspected shooter is in custody and we have begun the process of receiving information regarding the investigation. It is our intent to review it thoroughly and issue appropriate charges quickly. The suspect will remain in custody pending those charges.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the children who died, the children and teacher who were injured and their families, students, parents and staff at the school, and the greater community. They all have my commitment and my promise that I will seek justice for each of them.

My office is making our full resources available to the Oxford community, including our two canine advocates. We will support the victims and their families throughout the process.”