AFT’s Weingarten on Horrific Gun Violence Incidents in Rhode Island and Australia

WASHINGTON-AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement responding to two mass shooting incidents this weekend at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

"Hanukkah should be filled with light and hope-but instead we are confronting devastation and heartbreak in two cities half a world away. Our prayers are with those recovering from injuries and those mourning the loss of loved ones in both Providence and Sydney. Let's light a candle to chase away the hate and darkness that can seem like it's all around us.

"These tragic but preventable incidents leave lasting scars, no matter the country or community in which they occur. And while we don't know the cause yet of the senseless deaths on the Brown campus, we do know the cause of the senseless deaths on Bondi Beach: antisemitism, a scourge that must be fought by everyone.

"Today, we should be inspired by the heroic actions of the man who tackled a Sydney gunman and saved countless lives. And, on the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre, we must redouble our efforts to remove weapons of war from U.S. streets and schools."

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.