A mass shooting took place at Umpqua Community College in Oregon this Thursday.  According to the Washington Post there have been 10 fatalities and at least seven injured.  The shooter was killed after an exchange of fire with the police and the victims identities have not yet been released to the public.

In a statement to the press President Obama sent his prayers to the families involved.  He then expressed his concern about the increase of mass shootings in schools.  Obama says changes need to be made in gun control laws so it will be harder for those wanting to inflict harm on others to gain access to guns. 

Pierce College has an emergency management team and system in place in case of emergencies like these.  Students and staff can sign up for text messages and email notifications through , www.flashalert.net.  Students can also sign up for these emergency messages online during registration or by logging into their “MyPierce” account and clicking on the Emergency Notifications link.