Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued a statement Friday condemning the deadly school shooting at a Texas high school.
DeVos said in the statement that her “heart is heavy” after watching coverage of the shooting, which has reportedly left at least eight people dead and several others injured.
{mosads}“Our schools must be safe and nurturing environments for learning,” she said. “No student should have to experience the trauma suffered by so many today and in similar events prior. We simply cannot allow this trend to continue.”
Law enforcement said that a suspected shooter is in custody and that possible explosive devices have also been found at the school.
DeVos faced criticism from Democrats and gun control advocates in the wake of the Florida high school shooting in February after expressing support for President Trump’s proposal to arm teachers as a way to prevent school shootings.
In her statement Friday, DeVos praised the work of the Federal Commission on School Safety, which was set up after the Parkland shooting and is comprised of all Cabinet secretaries and no Democrats.
She said that the group is “working to identify proven ways to prevent violence and keep our students safe at school.”
“Our nation must come together and address the underlying issues that lead to such tragic and senseless loss of life,” she said.