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Don’t be ‘alarmed’ by increased police presence around elementary schools, CMPD says

Following Tuesday’s shooting that killed 21 people at a Texas school, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said it will increase patrols around elementary schools.

On Tuesday, a gunman killed 19 children and two adults at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, one day before the end of its school year.

CMPD advised families to “not be alarmed” by the increased police presence around Charlotte-area elementary schools.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police vehicle is seen at Quail Hollow Middle School on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Following Tuesday’s shooting at a Texas school, CMPD said it will increase patrols around elementary schools.
A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police vehicle is seen at Quail Hollow Middle School on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Following Tuesday’s shooting at a Texas school, CMPD said it will increase patrols around elementary schools.

“These are precautionary measures to engage more with school administrators and our community,” CMPD said in its alert.

“We have the extra support across the district because we know the fear and anxiety that’s out there,” Eve White, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ interim assistant superintendent of communications, said in a statement.

At least 28 guns have been found on CMS campuses since Aug. 26, according to school district data.

“Today our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, and officers in Uvalde, Texas who suffered loss from such a senseless act of gun violence,” CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said in a tweet Wednesday morning.

CMPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment on school security.

Help Robb School families

A memorial fund has been established for the families of victims in the Uvalde school shooting, according to Robb Elementary School Checks payable to “Robb School Memorial Fund” can be sent to First State Bank of Uvalde, 200 E. Nopal St., Uvalde, TX 78801. Donations also can be made via Zelle at robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.

Staff writer Anna Maria Della Costa contributed to this story.