Shooting hits home for local parents

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Friday afternoon, local parents were in a hurry to pick up their little ones of from Taylor Elementary School in Norfolk.

The news of a shooting more than 400 miles from Hampton Roads left everyone feeling emotional.

"It hits close to home," parent Qaren Jacklich said. "It can happen anywhere."

"We want to remember the old days when everything was safe, but the world today is such a different place," parent Bill McClung said.

Friday served as an unforgettable reminder of how much has changed since 1999 following the shooting at Columbine.

Area school systems tell WAVY.com they prepare for events like the shooting in Connecticut, but even then, the are no guarantees.

Hampton school officials called the shooting an "eye opener" and plan to review security policies.

"It's just heartbreaking," Jacklich said. "I can't even put it into words. It's horrible."

Norfolk police placed officers outside of local schools Friday afternoon as a safety precaution. Police say there were no threats, but the department wanted to show a strong presence.

"I spoke to the police officer when we came up," Miskill added. "It was really nice to see him here. It was comforting."