SANTA FE, Texas — Governor Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick attended an emotional church service Sunday at Arcadia First Baptist Church in Santa Fe.
Uplifting messages were shared and people prayed for the families and friends of the eight students and two teachers killed.
The Santa Fe ISD Police Chief attended and received a standing ovation along with other law enforcement officials for their efforts.
During the services a few seniors from SFHS donned their caps and gowns, walked down the church aisle to celebrate their graduation.
Monica Bracknell, an 18-year-old senior who survived the shooting, told the governor Sunday morning that she doesn't think the shooting should be turned into a political battle over gun control.
“Its not a political issue it’s not a gun law issue, this kid was able to get into a school very easily issue,” said Bracknell.
The teenager was surrounded by dozens of television cameras, photographers and reporters, as she shook the governor's hand and said she didn't believe guns were to blame for the shooting she survived.
She arrived at church a day after returning to her school to collect belongings left behind in the chaos of the shooting. She said she and her classmates are “shaken up'' but coping.
“I know it’s not easy for everyone but gods with us, gods going to be by our side as long as we stick together,” said Santa Fe High School senior, Hunter Bloomfield.
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