After Uvalde shooting, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings makes plea to 'rethink' strategy on gun violence

Following the May 24 mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is calling for action.

“Once again, we are saddened at the news of another mass school shooting," Demings said. "We grieve with and pray for the victims' families and all those impacted in Uvalde, Texas. It is past time for America to rethink its strategies in reducing gun violence if we truly want to stop these shootings from happening. Do you agree?”

Demings, elected to his current role in 2018, previous served as both the Orlando police chief and Orange County sheriff.

Orange County Public Schools officials also made a statement following the shooting.

"Our hearts go out to the students, staff and families in Uvalde, Texas, who were impacted by the shooting that occurred ... at Robb Elementary School," officials posted on Twitter. "As we end the school year, we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our students and staff. We continually work to improve safety procedures while using summer break to reinforce the training of our employees on how to react when faced with any threat to their campus. We keep Uvalde, Texas, in our thoughts and prayers as we stand with them during this difficult time."

The district also posted a link to help parents talk to their children about school shootings.