The horrific details of yesterday’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas are still emerging, but one thing is crystal clear: We can and must do better for our nation’s children.

We are angry and deeply saddened by the depraved and senseless act of violence that took so many innocent lives and affected so many more. We grieve alongside the community of Uvalde and all of those affected by yesterday’s horrific event, together with all of the other communities who have experienced these tragedies. In a speech addressing the nation last night President Biden said, “It’s time to turn this pain into action. For every parent, for every citizen in this country, we have to make it clear to every elected official in this country: It’s time to act.”

AACAP joins millions of Americans across this country in calling for strong measures to better protect our children and our communities from the growing epidemic of gun violence. As an association dedicated to protecting the health of children everywhere,  our children's safety is our nation’s first task.

We must protect our nation’s children and resolve to end this senseless violence. It’s time to do more. 

AACAP stands with you, our youth, and our families to act. 

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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry promotes the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and research. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are the leading physician authority on children’s mental health. For more information, please visit www.aacap.org