Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s Statement on Today’s Senseless Tragedy in Georgia

OLYMPIA—September 4, 2024—Over the past few weeks, millions of children across the country have returned to school, excited for another year of learning. Today, in the midst of this joy, we are reminded of the senseless tragedy that can strike during these precious moments. 

My heart is shattered for the victims of today’s tragedy and their families. School is supposed to be a safe place, where students learn and engage with their peers, and where educators and school staff do one of the most important jobs in the world.  

I’m proud of the steps we have taken in Washington state to reduce gun violence—not just on our school campuses, but in our communities as a whole. According to research by Everytown for Gun Safety, Washington state ranks #9 for the strength of our gun safety laws.  

In recent years, the Legislature has enacted laws requiring background checks for all gun sales, allowing for temporary restrictions on gun access for those in extreme risk, banning the sale and manufacture of assault weapons, and prohibiting the carry of firearms at public demonstrations. The Legislature also requires Washingtonians to be at least 18 years of age to purchase a gun and has instituted mandatory waiting period requirements for gun purchases. 

For our schools, the Legislature has made essential changes in recent years to our laws and resources to support school safety. Every Washington school is required to have a threat assessment plan and a comprehensive school safety plan, and the Legislature has provided additional funding for the staff in schools dedicated to supporting students’ physical, social, and emotional health. The Legislature has also expanded the training requirements for school safety staff. 

Even with these progressive measures in place, tragedy can—and has—strike in Washington state. Across the U.S., young people simply have too much access to deadly firearms, and we must treat it like the public health crisis that it is. 

This nation is past due for more common-sense gun legislation. These measures have been proven to reduce gun violence deaths, and they keep our children and our communities safe. 

We have got to do better.