State leaders respond to Fort Gibson school shooting

Monday, December 6th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Keating says the wounding of four students at the Fort Gibson middle school should be a wake-up call. Keating says the tragedy should serve as a call to arms for Oklahoma's educators, parents, community and religious leaders to address to root causes of what is happening to our families and young people.

The governor says there is something terribly wrong when too many young people do not value human life. He says the tragic incident of school violence point to a very real sickness, and it's time to get serious about finding a cure and not simply tending the symptoms.

Congressman J-C Watts expressed sorrow and concern this morning over the middle school shooting in his home state. Watts says he hope politicizing of the event can be avoided that would promote any group's agenda. Watts says the focus needs to be placed on aiding the youngsters, supporting their families and helping Fort Gibson cope. Watts says we must continue to support and encourage the millions of exemplary youngsters who are living the best lives they know how. But he says today's tragedy tells us that we must work harder to reach out to our troubled youngsters, understand them and help them before they ruin their lives and the lives of those around them.