Nashville - July 15 - “We at The Safe Tennessee Project are deeply saddened by the shootings in our state this morning at both the Navy Reserve center and the military recruitment center in Chattanooga. Our hearts break for the families of the four brave Marines who lost their lives and the police officer and others who were injured. To lose a loved one in such an unexpected, violent, and horrible way is sadly too common in our country. Our thoughts are also with those who witnessed the shootings and the first responders on the scene. Bearing witness to a mass shooting and its aftermath will undoubtedly remain with them for years to come. We are grateful for the leadership of Mayor Andy Berke and the Chattanooga Police Department who by all accounts, acted quickly and decisively. Like Tennesseans and Americans everywhere, we will continue to pray for the victims, their families, and the city of Chattanooga.”

- Beth Joslin Roth, Safe Tennessee Project Policy Director