Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, school officials, lawmakers react to deadly school shooting in Texas

Condolences and calls for change poured in Tuesday from Iowa leaders and educators following the deadly shooting at a Texas elementary school.

An 18-year-old shooter killed 19 students and two adults with a handgun at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday afternoon. The shooter is believed to have been killed by officers. 

After the news broke, Gov. Kim Reynold's ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through Saturday in remembrance of the victims. 

Related:19 students, 2 adults killed in Texas elementary school shooting, Gov. Greg Abbott says

“My heart breaks for all those affected by the tragic and senseless shooting in Uvalde,” Reynolds said in a statement. “Kevin and I join with Iowans in praying for all the parents, families, students and staff involved. No parent or child should ever have to face this unimaginable tragedy.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley called the shooting sickening and heartbreaking. 

Schools should be a safe place for students and educators, Grassley tweeted. 

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, shared the news Tuesday afternoon with the House chamber and asked for a moment of silence.

“I’d like for our body to take a moment to honor them and pray for their families,” Konfrst said.  

U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, called for Congress to finally act to prevent school shootings.

"We have a child -- an 18-year-old -- who shot children once again, and it's time that we put an end to this," she said at a West Des Moines event. "I will be going back to DC to once again put my hand on the button to pass another bill that will address this, because this has absolutely got to stop in this country. It's about time."

Matt Smith, Des Moines Public Schools associate superintendent, expressed his sympathy and urged congressional leaders to act.

“From schools to churches to grocery stores to movie theaters, the epidemic of gun violence has touched every aspect of our society," Smith said. "As educators, we have a moral duty to speak out for the safety and wellbeing of our children. It is past time that our nation’s leaders heed the call.”

State Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, expressed heartbreak and outrage. 

"Fifteen families have been torn apart and an entire community has been shattered by yet another senseless act of gun violence," Wahls said. “How many more must die before we address the scourge of gun violence in this country? Thoughts and prayers will not solve America’s gun violence problem."

He implored Iowa Republicans to work with their colleagues to protect communities from "senseless gun violence without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen."

“If you really want to be pro-life, it's time to use your power, the power the voters have entrusted you with, to stop this senseless, preventable slaughter," he said.

Iowa State Education Association President Mike Beranek also called lawmakers to address gun violence.

“Our students and our public education professionals deserve a safe place to learn and work,” said Iowa State Education Association President Mike Beranek said. “We call on our elected officials to – at long last – pass meaningful legislation to help prevent tragedies like this that have become all too common.”

Ian Richardson and Brianne Pfannenstiel contributed to this report. 

Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @svhernandez or Facebook at facebook.com/svhernandezreporter.