Natalie Swaby, KING 5 News
MARYSVILLE, Wash, – As parents arrived at Marysville-Pilchuck High School Tuesday, they shared hugs and their heartache.
Paula Dalcour was one of the hundreds of parents who attended a Tuesday night meeting.
“This is the third city I have lived in where there was a school shooting,” said Dalcour.
The shooting that happened on campus Friday proved painful for Dalcour’s 10th grader.
“My son went to middle school with some of the kids so it is difficult for him,” she said.
Jaylen Fryberg is accused of shooting five classmates and killing two of them before taking his own life. The 15-year-old was a member of the Tulalip tribe.
Tulalip tribe Chairman Herman Williams Sr. admitted it has been difficult to talk about what happened.
“I’m really traumatized by this. I backed away and had my Vice Chairman speak for me,” said Williams. “Now I have to get out and really carry out my duties.”
Williams said he plans to reach out to the families with a connection to the tragedy.
Police are pressing on with their investigation.
“I truly never have been more proud or more heartbroken than this past Friday,” said Marysville Police Chief Rick Smith.
Chief Smith said 125 law enforcement professionals arrived at the shooting scene within minutes.
There were two standing ovations during the meeting, one for first responders and one for teachers.
Parents were able to ask questions and were given a list of tips on how to talk with their kids.
Classes are scheduled to resume at Marysville Pilchuck High on Monday. Superintendent, Dr. Becky Berg, said it will not be business as usual. The school is still examining how to approach the difficult day, but a decision was made to close the cafeteria where the shooting happened.