Lake County and McHenry County officials say they are horrified by the “senseless” act of violence after a gunman shot and killed 19 children and two teachers at a school in Texas.
The incident happened at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday morning.
An 18-year-old man, who was armed with two guns, entered the school and opened fire after crashing his car nearby.
At least 19 children and two teachers have died so far, police said.
Multiple police officers were shot after exchanging gunfire with the suspect. The suspect was shot and killed.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he was “outraged, devastated, and utterly exhausted” for the families of Robb Elementary School.
“As we grieve with the Uvalde community, we must continue our work toward ending the gun violence epidemic in our country. We must do it now. No more prayers without action,” Pritzker said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said their hearts go out to all of the families who lost family and loved ones in the “senseless mass shooting and murder of children and staff at Robb Elementary, in Uvalde, TX.”
The sheriff’s office called the shooting “absolutely horrific.”
“For the second time in just a few days, I am grieving with a community that has lost their sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters due to senseless gun violence,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
“For the second time in just a few days, I once again state firmly and strongly that thoughts and prayers are not – and have never been – enough to stem the epidemic of gun violence that has gripped our country,” Rinehart said.
“Everyone deserves to be safe in their community, and once again, our society has failed the 14 children and 1 teacher murdered in Texas today. Their loved ones should not be screaming into the void, they should be comforted by action,” he added.
Rinehart called for legislation at the federal level to “stop this once and for all.”
“Our hearts are with the families, friends, teachers, first responders, and the community of Uvalde, Texas this evening,” the Gurnee Police Department said.
The Antioch Police Department said their “hearts are broken for the innocent children and adults” who were killed.
The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department said that city flags would be lowered to half-staff until Saturday as a mark of respect for the victims of the “senseless acts of violence.”
The Union Fire Protection District said the loss of innocent life is “one that cannot be understood or explained.”
“Seeing the events that took place we are at a complete loss for words… On behalf of the members of the Union Fire Protection District we wanted to send our thoughts and prayers out to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy in Texas today,” the fire district said.
The Marengo Police Department offered their thoughts and prayers and called the shooting “horrific” and “senseless.”