Dear neighbor,
This past week has been incredibly painful for our community and beyond. I am heartbroken by the tragic shooting at Brown University, and my thoughts remain with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless violence.
I am truly proud of Pawtucket’s first responders and school staff. When called for mutual aid, our police officers and firefighters responded immediately to support Providence and Brown University. Meanwhile, the Pawtucket School Department and the Pawtucket Police Department’s Community Policing Unit worked together to ensure the safe return of Pawtucket students who were nearby.
Across all Pawtucket school communities, staff worked diligently to support students with care and attentiveness. Although there is no known or identified threat to our city or our schools, we took precautionary measures by increasing police presence across all schools and continue to work closely with our local, state, and federal partners to help keep our community safe and reassured.
Additionally, as further precautionary measures, in-person public events were postponed for the week, and programming and larger meetings were transitioned to Zoom or did not proceed as scheduled, with safety remaining our top priority.
Our hearts also go out to the victims of the recent attack in Sydney, Australia, which targeted members of the Jewish community during Hanukkah. These tragedies remind us that hate and violence have no place in our world.
As we gather for the holiday season, I’m sure we will all be holding our loved ones a little closer. Let us also honor those lost and injured by continuing to stand united against hate. Now is the time for Pawtucket to come together in compassion and hope.
Wishing you peace and comfort this holiday season,
Mayor Donald R. Grebien
City of Pawtucket