Chatham Police Condemn The 'Horror' Of Uvalde, Buffalo Shootings 

Chatham NJ

27 May, 2022

1:03 PM

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CHATHAM BOROUGH, NJ — Following the attacks in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, Chatham Borough Chief of Police Brian K. Gibbons calls for reasonable gun regulation and social media regulation. Leaders and officials across the nation, including in Chatham have shared their thoughts on the tragedy. "I struggle to find the words to describe the horror and disgust I am feeling following the recent active shooter events perpetrated these past couple of weeks," Gibbons said. "I have seen my share of violence over my 23+ years in law enforcement, but this level of violence is exceptionally more egregious." On Tuesday, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire inside a Texas elementary school, killing at least 19 children and two adults. On May 14, ten people were killed in another mass shooting at the Tops Supermarket in Buffalo. "Clearly, now is the time for earnest and productive actions in areas supporting reasonable gun regulation, social media regulation, and increased mental health resources. I hope to see State and Federal legislators rally around the common good for society and tackle these contributing circumstances at once," Gibbons said. Read more: Let's Change The Way We Talk About Mass Shootings: NJ Experts In response, New Jersey Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin said that New Jersey State Police will ramp up their presence at the Garden State schools where troopers are the primary law enforcement. All 21 county prosecutors have also been instructed to increase local police presence at schools in their jurisdictions. Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted that the measure comes despite "no credible threats" in New Jersey. "My heart bleeds for the victims senselessly slaughtered in these events and the many family and friends whose lives will be forever shattered," Gibbons said. "Thank you for your continued support and God bless all those who died as a result of senseless gun violence, including those directly and indirectly impacted by these horrific acts."