By: Katrina Penaflor Managing Editor
President Barack Obama travelled to Roseburg Ore., Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 to visit Roseburg High School and met with families of victims from the recent shooting at Umpqua Community College (UCC).
Obama arrived along with U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (OR-D) and Ron Wyden (OR-D) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-D).
There was no planned public meeting; the exchanges took place in private and lasted approximately one hour total.
The president’s visit resulted in conflicting opinions among residences – some were in favor of the arrival, while others heavily protested.
A banner was hung at the airport where President Obama arrived, reading “Obama Go Home,” according to oregonlive.com.
The protestors were angered by the White House’s stance on stronger gun control, which was addressed during the statement made the day of the shooting.
“I think he should stay away,” said protester Gary Shamblin. “He made it very plain, 15 minutes after the shooting happened. I think he politicized it. The bodies weren’t even cold.”
Among the demonstrators there were also many in favor of the President’s arrival. They saw it as support for the victims and not as a stance on gun control.
“I want to support our president,” said Phil Benedetti, a Roseburg physician.
“This isn’t about gun control, it’s about caring about the welfare of the small town and every small town when tragedy happens,” said Benedetti in conversation with the Seattle Times.
One of the select residents who joined the meeting with the president was Roseburg High School Principal Jill Webber, who The Oregonian reported as saying, “It was about the families,” adding “That was what it was about.”
While leaving, President Obama told reporters “We’re going to have to come together as a country, but today is about the families.”
Classes resumed at UCC Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. There were counselors and volunteers available for students’ during their return.
