NEWS

Reactions to Townville Elementary Shooting

A Townville Elementary student weeps as she and her classmates are transported to Oakdale Baptist Church following a shooting at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday.
A Townville Elementary student weeps as she and her classmates are transported to Oakdale Baptist Church following a shooting at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A child is hugged as he is picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting in September at Townville Elementary School.
A child is hugged as he is picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting in September at Townville Elementary School.
Katie McLean/Independent Mail
Parents, children, and the citizens of Townville react to a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Parents, children, and the citizens of Townville react to a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A child cries after being picked up by a caretaker at Oakdale Baptist Church following a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
A child cries after being picked up by a caretaker at Oakdale Baptist Church following a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Parent Korrie Bennett hugs Heather Bailey after recovering their children following a shooting at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday.
Parent Korrie Bennett hugs Heather Bailey after recovering their children following a shooting at Townville Elementary School on Wednesday.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Parents, children, and the citizens of Townville react to a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Parents, children, and the citizens of Townville react to a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A bloody bandage is photographed at Townville Elementary following a shooting that occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
A bloody bandage is photographed at Townville Elementary following a shooting that occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Brittany Myers, a volunteer at Oakdale Baptist Church, hugs Townville parent Cristy Jablonski following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Brittany Myers, a volunteer at Oakdale Baptist Church, hugs Townville parent Cristy Jablonski following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
at the Townville Elementary shooting on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
at the Townville Elementary shooting on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A child clings to a caretaker after being picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
A child clings to a caretaker after being picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman speaks with the media Wednesday night after attending a prayer service at  Oakdale Baptist Church in Townville. The service was held hours after a shooting at Townville Elementary School.
South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman speaks with the media Wednesday night after attending a prayer service at Oakdale Baptist Church in Townville. The service was held hours after a shooting at Townville Elementary School.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A prayer service was held at at Oakdale Baptist Church on Wednesday night hours after a shooting at Townville Elementary School.
A prayer service was held at at Oakdale Baptist Church on Wednesday night hours after a shooting at Townville Elementary School.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Students leave a school bus at Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting at Townville Elementary School.
Students leave a school bus at Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting at Townville Elementary School.
Kirk Brown/Independent Mail
Students are led toward Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at Townville Elementary School.
Students are led toward Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting Wednesday afternoon at Townville Elementary School.
Kirk Brown/Independent Mail
A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper helps a student off of a school bus at Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting Wednesday at Townville Elementary School.
A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper helps a student off of a school bus at Oakdale Baptist Church after a shooting Wednesday at Townville Elementary School.
Kirk Brown/Independent Mail
Adults escort children away from the school while law enforcement are on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville, responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Adults escort children away from the school while law enforcement are on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville, responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Mike Ellis/Independent-Mail
Law enforcement on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Law enforcement on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Mike Ellis/Independent-Mail
Groups of parents and children gather while law enforcement are on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville, responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Groups of parents and children gather while law enforcement are on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville, responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Mike Ellis/Independent-Mail
A law enforcement officer stands at Townville Elementary School on Sept. 28 after responding to a shooting.
A law enforcement officer stands at Townville Elementary School on Sept. 28 after responding to a shooting.
Mike Ellis/Independent-Mail
Groups of parents and children gather while law enforcement are on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville, responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Groups of parents and children gather while law enforcement are on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville, responding to a shooting in which two children and one adult were injured.
Mike Ellis/Independent-Mail
Law enforcement on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville responding to a shooting.
Law enforcement on the scene at Townville Elementary School in Townville responding to a shooting.
Mike Ellis/Independent-Mail
Taylor Jones, middle, Anderson County Emergency Services director, speaks during a press conference about the shootings at Townville Elementary School Wednesday, at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. Capt. Garland Major, left, of Anderson County Sheriff's Office, and Dr. Joanne Avery, right, Superintendent of Anderson County School District 4, stand nearby.
Taylor Jones, middle, Anderson County Emergency Services director, speaks during a press conference about the shootings at Townville Elementary School Wednesday, at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. Capt. Garland Major, left, of Anderson County Sheriff's Office, and Dr. Joanne Avery, right, Superintendent of Anderson County School District 4, stand nearby.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
An officer stops a concerned parent from walking to Townville Elementary after a shooting occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
An officer stops a concerned parent from walking to Townville Elementary after a shooting occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Dr. Joanne Avery, right, Superintendent of Anderson County School District 4, walks by Gracie Floyd, left, after speaking during a press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson.
Dr. Joanne Avery, right, Superintendent of Anderson County School District 4, walks by Gracie Floyd, left, after speaking during a press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
A Townville citizen reacts to being blocked from Townville Elementary by authorities after the news of the shooting broke on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
A Townville citizen reacts to being blocked from Townville Elementary by authorities after the news of the shooting broke on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A Townville citizen reacts to being blocked from Townville Elementary by authorities after the news of the shooting broke on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
A Townville citizen reacts to being blocked from Townville Elementary by authorities after the news of the shooting broke on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A Townville citizen reacts to being blocked from Townville Elementary by authorities after the news of the shooting broke on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
A Townville citizen reacts to being blocked from Townville Elementary by authorities after the news of the shooting broke on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
An officer stops a concerned parent from walking to Townville Elementary after a shooting occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
An officer stops a concerned parent from walking to Townville Elementary after a shooting occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Authorities block roads leading to Townville Elementary after a shooting occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Authorities block roads leading to Townville Elementary after a shooting occurred at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
A caretaker retrieves her child from Oakdale Baptist Church following a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
A caretaker retrieves her child from Oakdale Baptist Church following a shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Townville students are picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Townville students are picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Townville students are picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Townville students are picked up from Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Sheriff John Skipper speaks with media outlets after addressing a congregation of Townville citizens having a prayer vigil at Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Sheriff John Skipper speaks with media outlets after addressing a congregation of Townville citizens having a prayer vigil at Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Roxy Meyer of Anderson kisses her grandson, Jaxon Meyer, 3, of Pendleton after attending a prayer vigil at Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Roxy Meyer of Anderson kisses her grandson, Jaxon Meyer, 3, of Pendleton after attending a prayer vigil at Oakdale Baptist Church following the shooting at Townville Elementary on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 in Townville.
Katie McLean/ Independent Mail
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
The truck driven by the 14-year-old shooter at Townsville Elementary sits beside the school's playground on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
The truck driven by the 14-year-old shooter at Townsville Elementary sits beside the school's playground on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
A law enforcement officer stands inside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
A law enforcement officer stands inside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers and emergency responders outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers and emergency responders outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
A law enforcement officer stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
A law enforcement officer stand outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
Law enforcement officers outside Townsville Elementary after a shooting at the school on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff
John Skipper, middle, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
John Skipper, middle, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
Greg Shore, left, Anderson County Coroner takes a question from the media near John Skipper, right, Anderson County Sheriff, during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school officials and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Greg Shore, left, Anderson County Coroner takes a question from the media near John Skipper, right, Anderson County Sheriff, during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school officials and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, listens to Scott Stoller, Anderson County EMS & Special Operations Director, speak during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, listens to Scott Stoller, Anderson County EMS & Special Operations Director, speak during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks near Greg Shore, right, Anderson County Coroner, during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks near Greg Shore, right, Anderson County Coroner, during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
John Skipper, middle, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
John Skipper, middle, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
A live broadcast of John Skipper, middle, Anderson County Sheriff, speaking during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
A live broadcast of John Skipper, middle, Anderson County Sheriff, speaking during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
Taylor Jones, right, Anderson County Emergency Services Director, speaks near John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Taylor Jones, right, Anderson County Emergency Services Director, speaks near John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
John Skipper, right, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
John Skipper, right, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks during a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
Sen. Kevin Bryant of Anderson talks about the emotional impact of the Townville Elementary shootings after a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Sen. Kevin Bryant of Anderson talks about the emotional impact of the Townville Elementary shootings after a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson. The sheriff, coroner, school leaders and emergency officials gave an update about the public about the shootings at Townville Elementary School.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail
John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks with media after a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson.
John Skipper, left, Anderson County Sheriff, speaks with media after a 9 p.m. press conference at the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center in Anderson.
Ken Ruinard /Independent-Mail