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Los Angeles Responds To Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting By Beefing Up Security:

The Los Angeles Unified School District issued a statement seeking to assure families that LA students are safe. “We are deeply saddened by today’s horrifying event this morning at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy and Los Angeles School Police Chief Steve Zipperman want to assure all parents and members of our school community that the LAUSD’s number one priority is the safety of our students and staff,” the district said.

A statement from the LA teachers’ union, United Teachers Los Angeles, sympathized with the families of victims. “As parents and educators we know the impact of this senseless act of violence will not soon fade,” the statement reads. “Long after media attention has waned, the healing process will continue. As our members celebrate the holidays with their families, we ask that they remember the students, teachers, parents and the entire community of Newtown.”

South LA community leaders are planning a candlelight vigil tonight in memory of the victims and to call for stricter gun control laws. The vigil, sponsored by Project Islamic HOPE, will begin at 5 p.m. in Leimert Park at 3415 W. 43rd Place.