Two days after suggesting in a radio interview that he supports arming teachers as a way to prevent future school shootings, Gov. Bob McDonnell was back in political mourning mood on Thursday, announcing a statewide moment of silent to commemorate the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting exactly one week after the shootings occurred.
“Our hearts continue to be heavy for all of those in Newtown, Conn., who are mourning the losses of 26 of their own one week after this senseless tragedy,” said McDonnell, calling the moment of silence “a small token of support and solidarity for those grieving in Connecticut.”
“I am glad to pledge Virginia’s support for this solemn moment. I ask that all citizens of the Commonwealth pause to reflect upon those who were lost during this unconscionable act, and to offer thoughts and prayers to those who lost their lives and for those emergency responders, educators and parents who were directly touched by the events last week,” McDonnell said.
McDonnell has come under fire for his comments on arming teachers. He said in an interview with Washington radio station WTOP that “(i)f people were armed, not just a police officer, but other school officials that were trained and chose to have a weapon, certainly there’d be an opportunity to stop aggressors coming into the schools,” before labeling heightened discussion and public support for gun-control measures in the wake of the shootings a “knee-jerk reaction.”
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