Statement from the Mount Rainier Police Department

Last night, there were 21 homes where silence and grief reigned. 21 homes were left with pieces missing, questions unanswered and hearts broken. The pain felt by the families of the victims is being shared by the City of Mount Rainier and across the nation.

With that in mind and heart, the Mount Rainier Police Department wants to reassure every child, staff member, and parent of our schools that we are committed to the safety of our community. We will utilize all resources available that will enable us to affect a plan geared to increase security and safety at our schools. Those plans include increased patrols at our schools, on foot and in vehicles, checking all social media platforms for signs and warnings of threats directed towards Mount Rainier.

This plan also includes speaking with parents, school staff, and the community of Mount Rainier to hear concerns, answer questions, and ease the fear felt by our citizens. We will continue to work with our local area partners in the County, and State to ensure the safety of our communities.

May we remember the families affected by this tragedy and hold them in our hearts during this time