Students Dead in Ohio School Shooting

TJ Lane, the alleged and accused perpetrator

A student opened fire at Chardon High School near Cleveland, claiming the lives of 3 students and injuring 2 others.

CLEVELAND, February 27, 2012 -- Several Ohio officials issued statements regarding the Chardon High School shooting Monday morning.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued the following statement following the tragic shooting:

“Today’s shooting is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as well as the entire student body and staff at Chardon High School.The Attorney General’s Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is on the scene and will be assisting local law enforcement in processing the crime scene.   BCI and our office will do all we can to help in this investigation.”

State Superintendent Stan Heffner issued this statement regarding the shooting:

“My deepest sympathies are with the students and their families, staff and teachers of the Chardon School District and the Chardon community as they work through the tragic incident on their school campus this morning. Please keep them in your thoughts today. I appreciate the quick response to this situation by Superintendent Bergandt and law enforcement and first responders to protect the students and to quickly apprehend the persons responsible for this horrific act.”

Governor John R. Kasich issued the following statement in response to the shooting:

“Please join me in praying for the students who’ve been injured in this horrible crime.  Praise goes to the Chardon Police and Geauga County Sheriff’s office for quickly getting this situation under control.  I’ve pledged Ohio’s full support to them, the school and the local community in this difficult time.”

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown released the following statement:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Chardon community today. I join Ohioans across the state in praying for the speedy recovery of the students that have been injured,” Brown said. “I stand ready to provide whatever assistance possible to the victims and their families—as well as to local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice.”

State Senator John Eklund issued the following statement Monday morning in response to the shooting:

“I ask that you join me in extending the sincerest thoughts and prayers to the students and families that have been affected by this morning’s tragedy. I would also like to commend the swift and effective efforts of local law enforcement entities as they continue to assess this situation. Our hearts and minds will remain with the Chardon community throughout this time.”

Compiled by Fox 8 Cleveland

Source: The Associated Press