WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore.:

“The entire AFT community grieves for those affected by the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College.

“As we await details, our prayers go out to the victims and their families, to the entire community of Roseburg, Ore., and to the many AFT members there. Our thanks go out to the first responders and other heroes who sprang into action to save lives, including the Oregon Nurses Association/AFT members at hospitals in the Roseburg area.

“When will the madness end? This is the 45th school shooting already this year. Surely, we can summon the political will to enact reasonable and commonsense laws to reduce the gun violence that is taking the lives of far too many. The integrity and credibility of our country demand that we act. We don't have a moment to lose."

Statement from Teri Mills, MS, RN, CNE, a registered nurse, and longtime nurse educator and member of the AFT family, who began her career teaching at Umpqua Community College:

“Gun violence is a national public health emergency in America. We must do more so these tragedies don’t continue to happen. Whether it’s Newtown, Conn., or Roseburg, Ore., these are small towns where people know and love one other. Our hearts are broken.”