On Monday, Gov. John Kasich visited Youngstown State University to discuss the recent off-campus shootings alongside YSU President Cynthia Anderson and Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams.
The press conference opened up with Anderson reiterating her sympathy to friends and family of victim Jamail Johnson, as well as anyone who affected by the situation.
Anderson said the campus flags would fly at half-mast and that grief counseling is available to students.
“We’ve received hundreds of calls, e-mails and notes showing interest to give assistance. It shows what a community can accomplish when it comes together,” she said.
Anderson said Johnson is the third student death she has experienced since her days as vice president of Student Affairs.
“It’s the hardest thing you’ll have to do and the worst thing you’ll have to do,” she said.
Anderson expressed her appreciation to Kasich for reaching out and offering his assistance in any way that he could.
“Youngstown State University is an oasis of safety. We believe that we have model safety that needs to be duplicated in the city,” she said. “We must instill the value of life in our young people.”
Williams said that with “tragedy comes opportunity.”
Williams was also appreciative of Kasich’s response. Williams sent a list of what he felt needed to be done in the wake of the shootings and was impressed that Kasich came with a list of solutions.
Items on the list include modifying penalties for the improper use of gunfire and keeping the most violent criminals incarcerated.
“The life lost will not be lost in vain,” Williams said.
Kasich mentioned that there are plans to increase the relationship between the Mahoning Valley and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, as well as the department of public safety, with the goal of bringing a feeling of safety to the community.
Kasich said that the Mahoning Valley’s “best days are ahead.”
“Someone takes a gun in front of a building and opens fire, I cannot explain it,” he said. “I cannot promise the moon, but there are some things we can do to help.”