Congresswoman Bush Statement on School Shooting in South St. Louis

Press Release

Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following statement after the school shooting that occurred this Monday morning at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, a magnet school in St. Louis, Missouri. As of this statement, it is reported that three people are deceased, including the gunman, and multiple people are left with injuries.

"Today is a day that every parent, teacher, student, and community member prays never comes. St. Louis has become the latest city and school district to endure our country's horrific trend of gun violence in our schools. Heartbreak doesn't even begin to capture the pain that I feel for my community right now.

I would like to thank the first responders, teachers, and staff who responded swiftly to the situation, and who helped get others to safety. Their bravery today saved lives.

In all that is unclear, one thing remains certain: gun violence, especially in our schools, is a public health emergency that needs to end. The tragedy at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School marks the 40th school shooting this year. 2022 was already the year on record with the highest number of school shootings occurring in a single year. This is unconscionable and inexcusable. The epidemic of gun violence and the ensuing trauma it leaves in its wake needs to stop.

As we work to gather all the details leading up to this tragedy, I want St. Louis to know that my office is here to help our community through this difficult time. You can call my office at (314) 955-9980 to be directed to resources. I will also be hosting an in-person town hall this Thursday where we will address the urgent crisis of school safety. I encourage community members across Missouri's First to attend as we seek to process all that our community is enduring and think about where we go from here.

Today and in the days that follow, my priority will be to support our community members and deliver resources as needed-- but rest assured that I have had enough. St. Louis has had enough. Together, we will push for the change we need to see to end the crisis of gun violence in our schools and community."

Constituents can RSVP HERE for Congresswoman Bush's in-person town hall this Thursday, October 24, 2022 at 6:00 PM CT on school safety. Press interested in attending should email CoriBushPress@mail.house.gov.

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