President Bush on Wednesday expressed his sympathy to the family of Emily Keyes and said he has asked experts to determine how the federal government can help locals deal with school shootings.
“A lot of Americans, and I know a lot of folks in Colorado, express our deepest sympathy to the folks in that good community about the tragic loss of Emily Keyes,” said Bush, referring to the 16-year-old who was killed last week at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey. “She died one week ago of an unspeakable act of violence. It wasn’t necessary. We join her family in prayer. We extend our deepest sympathies to those good people.”
Bush said he asked Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings to convene a meeting of experts next week to determine how federal officials can help respond to school shootings.
“We wanted to make us certain around the country that the schoolhouse is a safe place for children to learn. And so I’m looking forward to the results of that meeting, how we can facilitate help, and how we can help these communities heal and recover from the tragic events like those that have taken place in three states over the past couple of weeks,” Bush said. “May God bless Emily’s family.”
Staff writer Chris Frates can be reached at 303-954-1633 or cfrates@denverpost.com.
