Washington, D.C. (December 8, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after learning some details about the shooter in yesterday's tragic event that took place at Aztec High School in Aztec, New Mexico:

"My heart hurts immensely for not only the families of the students who were taken too early from this earth, but for all students and community members affected by yesterday's senseless and tragic shooting. Many have asked, what can be done to stop situations like this. Now, news reports state the shooter had been previously noticed by the FBI. We need to know what can be done in situations like this, so if it's not the FBI's responsibility then some other authority is tasked with trying to help. Many have discussed that mental health is often a factor in these crimes. Let's put credible and helpful policies in place to deal with this. Therefore, I call on the FBI to release all details on the shooter as soon as possible understanding there is an active investigation going on, so we can examine further what changes need to be made so individuals in need of help can be identified and assisted."

According to press reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated they opened an investigation into Atchison back in 2016 for comments he made online.