One of the children brutally murdered in the school shooting in Texas died while calling 911, a family member has revealed.
Yesterday, 24 June, saw at least 21 people killed after a teenage shooter opened fire at Robb Elementary School – which teaches children aged seven to 10 – in the city of Uvalde.
One of those who lost their life was Amerie Jo Garza.
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Speaking about the unimaginable loss, her grandmother, Berlinda Irene Arreola, has revealed that the 10-year-old died a hero.
In a text message to the Daily Beast, Ms Arreola said: "My Grand Daughter was shot and killed for trying to call 911, she died a Hero trying to get help for her and her fellow classmates."
She added: "She was just super-outgoing. She had a generous heart. She was always there to lend anybody a helping hand. She was very quick to be a teacher’s pet.
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"She had just gotten her award today for A-B Honor Roll. She was very smart and she was looking forward to making a life for herself."
Xavier Javier Lopez, Makenna Lee Elrod and Nevaeh Bravo were also killed in the shooting, their families have since confirmed.
Two fourth-grade teachers, Eva Mireles and Irma Garcia, who had taught at the school for more than two decades, also died.
According to the authorities, the suspected shooter, Salvador Ramos, who is believed to have killed his grandmother prior to the massacre at the school, was killed by law enforcement.
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US President Joe Biden said action was needed now to put an end to the needless violence.
He told a press conference: "As a nation, we have to ask, when, in God's name, are we gonna stand up to the gun lobby?
"When, in God's name, will we do what we know in out gut needs to be done?
"It's been 3,448 days, 10 years, since I stood up at a grade school in Connecticut, where another gunman massacred 26 people including 20 first graders, in Sandy Hook Elementary School.
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"Since then, there have been over 900 incidents of gunfires reported on school grounds."
It is also almost 10 years since 26 people were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the second-deadliest school shooting in the country's history.
Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy has made an impassioned plea for politicians to do something to protect people from violent criminals.
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In a video that has since gone viral, he said: "Our kids are living in fear every time they set foot in a classroom because they fear they will be next. What are we doing? Why do you spend all this time running for the United States Senate?
"Why do you go through all the hassle of getting this job and putting yourself in a position of authority if your answer, as the slaughter increases and our kids run for their lives, is we do nothing?"
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Dominic Smithers