Officials with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station announced Wednesday that there would be an increased presence of law enforcement at local schools in the aftermath of the Uvalde Elementary School shooting that took the lives of at least 21 people.

At least 19 children and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School on Tuesday in the rural Texas town of Uvalde when an 18-year-old suspect entered the campus and opened fire on children in a classroom.

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, which weathered the tragic circumstances of the Saugus High School Shooting in 2019, offered condolences for those affected.

“We are aware of the shooting that took place yesterday, May 24th, at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.  We are saddened by this horrific event and continue to keep the victims, their families, and all school staff in our thoughts and hearts,” read Wednesday’s statement.

Alongside other law enforcement organizations from across the nation, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and by extension the Santa Clarita Station, have decided to increase law enforcement presence for the remainder of the current term at local schools in our Santa Clarita Valley.

“In lieu of this incident, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station is working hand in hand with all Santa Clarita Valley School Districts to ensure added safety throughout the remainder of the school year,” wrote Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the SCV Station. “SCV deputies will conduct additional patrol checks and maintain an added law enforcement presence for both public and private schools within the Santa Clarita Valley.”

Officials also encourage our community to report any suspicious activity to the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station at 661-260-4000 and School Administrators.

The William S. Hart Union High School District offers Student Care Helplines in addition to traditional reporting channels to alert school officials to suspicious or concerning behavior.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

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