Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (right) on Tuesday issued a disaster declaration in the town of Uwalde in a bid to speed up the reaction to a shooting at an elementary school last week that killed 19 children and two adults.
The declaration “will speed up all available state and local resources to support the Uwalde community, as well as repeal regulations that would prevent, hinder or delay the necessary actions to deal with the consequences of the tragic shooting,” according to the governor’s office.
In particular, it will continue to allow the Texas Emergency Management Department to use all its resources to respond to the shooting, including providing a temporary facility to serve as a “family resource center” for those “seeking mental health services and other resources. ”
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is also working with local mental health providers to support the people of Uwalde.
“Uwalde’s community was devastated by the senseless act of violence last week at Rob Elementary School and should have no difficulty in obtaining the support needed for healing,” Abbott said in a statement on Tuesday.
After the shooting, Abbott was criticized by some, including former MP Beto O’Rourke, his opponent in the Democratic gubernatorial election in November, for his firm stance on guns.
On Sunday, Abbott visited a memorial site at Rob Elementary School and was greeted by a booing crowd.
“We need change! We need change, Governor! ” Cried a spectator.
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O’Rourke spoke to Abbott at a news conference last week, saying: “You’re not doing anything.
“You said it was unpredictable, it was completely predictable and you choose not to do anything,” he added.
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