Reactions to I.V. Shooting Roll In
Chancellor Yang, Assemblymember Williams, and Murder Victim's Father Speak Out
Yesterday, after another shooting shook Isla Vista near the one-year anniversary of the May 23 murders, reactions to the latest violent incident poured in from all angles of the college community and the university next door.
In a campus-wide email, UCSB Chancellor Henry Yang spoke of the “incident off-campus” and reminded students that university counselors are available full-time at the Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) center. He also encouraged students to add the CSO safety escort number — 805-893-2000 — to their cell phones.
“We are grateful for the vigilance and quick response of the Sheriff’s Office and the UCPD to keep our campus and our community safe,” he said. “The safety of our students and campus is our highest priority, and we remain fully committed to continuing to work tirelessly with all partners and stakeholders to address the challenges in Isla Vista and improve the living and learning environment there, for the sake of our students and all Isla Vista residents.”
Richard Martinez, who has actively spoken out against gun violence since his son, Christopher, was shot and killed in the Isla Vista massacre, said Monday’s shooting once again traumatized the UCSB community and was the worst kind of reminder that gun violence can happen at any place, any time. “This year, while I should be celebrating Christopher’s graduation from UCSB, I’ll be honoring his life, a life that was senselessly cut short,” he said.
Assemblymember Das Williams said he was “deeply saddened and disappointed to hear of another violent incident in Isla Vista.” He said students, residents, and families “deserve a safe place to call home.” Williams has introduced a bill to establish a Community Service District in I.V. that would allow residents to tax themselves for public safety resources, among other services.
