Today I had the opportunity to speak with Mike Bellamy on WICC to talk about the 6th Anniversary of Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, recent threatening events, and recently increased penalties for making a threat against a school.
Today we mourn and remember the 26 lives we lost on December 14th, 2012 and reflect on how that day changed our world. I am humbled to represent the proud and resilient communities of Newtown and Sandy Hook, and I am thankful for the community leaders who help me to lead the way forward.
I also unfortunately had the responsibility to talk about the threats made yesterday across the country and today in Sandy Hook, on the anniversary of this tragedy. I was shocked and disgusted to hear that Sandy Hook Elementary was targeted again this morning as part of this widespread hoax. Threatening a school, whether it be credible or not, is never acceptable and will always be investigated thoroughly and completely. I am proud, however, that the General Assembly was able to increase the legal penalty for threatening a school from a Misdemeanor to a Class C Felony punishable up to 10 years in prison and/or $10,000. I regret that this was a necessary step to take, but I believe it to be a helpful deterrent for anyone who may consider such a threat. It is my hope that along with our strict firearms laws, increased penalties, and a strong focus on mental health we can help make ensure our schools are safe for our children and educators.
