Statement From Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando on Recent Gun Violence and Bomb Threats

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (At-Large), chair of the Education and Culture (EC) Committee, released the following statement related to recent gun violence and bomb threats.

We all deserve to be safe in our communities, homes and schools. The recent reports of bomb threats, gun violence and guns found in or near our schools are highly disturbing and unacceptable.

The shooting in Fairland on Monday night resulted in the 22nd homicide this year. Several schools have been the targets of bomb threats and a gun was recently found in an elementary and high school. Violence and threats of violence harm our physical and mental wellbeing. We must reject violence and work together to address both the root causes and immediate safety needs.

I am encouraged that Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is working closely with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) to investigate school threats and support a safe learning environment. The safety of all our students, educators and staff is of the utmost importance. I am in contact with MCPS and MCPD regarding these recent incidents, and the Education and Culture Committee has ongoing discussions scheduled related to school safety. We are committed to keeping our communities safe.

As a society, we must work toward more sensible gun laws and a culture that values the dignity of every human life. As a parent, I urge families to talk with the young people in their lives and emphasize the serious repercussions from bringing weapons to school and engaging in violent behavior. I invite residents and community leaders to come together to create safer communities. We must work together to develop community-led, data-informed decisions and policies. If you have any information about these incidents, please contact MCPD.”