Fort Lauderdale, FL - U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) issued the following statement in response to today's fatal shooting of 15 year old Amanda Collete at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale.

"I am extremely saddened by this act of senseless violence.  It is disheartening to think that the youth of today must face matters that many adults could not have imagined at such a young age.  Though this incident is certainly an extreme, incidences of violence are far too rampant in our nation's schools, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that students are able to learn in the safe and productive environment they deserve.  My thoughts and prayers are with Amanda's family and friends and with the countless young lives that have been taken by similarly unjustifiable acts."

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