ADE Funding Plays Crucial Role in Preventing School Shooting Crisis

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne commended the swift actions of Tucson Police Officer William Bonnano, who successfully detained an armed suspect, Daniel Hollander, 31, at Legacy Traditional School-East Tucson. School officials had received alarming reports from parents about Hollander’s erratic behavior in the school’s parking lot. Upon his arrest, authorities found him armed with a knife and a loaded handgun.

In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Horne remarked, “Today we avoided the nightmare of an armed maniac harming innocent people on a school campus. The School Safety Officer who sought out and arrested this suspect deserves the highest praise.” He emphasized that Bonnano’s presence on campus was supported by funding from the School Safety Program, illustrating its critical role in preventing potential tragedies.

Following the arrest, Horne took to social media, posting, “The School Safety Program helped save the lives of innocent children yesterday. Thank you to the School Resource Officer for helping to avert tragedy.” He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every campus has a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) to safeguard students.

According to a press release from the Arizona Department of Education, Horne credited Officer Bonnano with saving the lives of 20 students. He urged Arizona lawmakers to increase funding for armed officers in schools and to impose stricter penalties on individuals posing threats on school grounds.

“For years, I have been pushing for more police officers in schools,” Horne stated. “We narrowly avoided a horror that could have left parents devastated and communities mourning. Our response to such threats must evolve to prevent future tragedies.” He underscored that Bonnano’s prompt action, without waiting for backup, was crucial in averting potential devastation.

Horne highlighted the pressing need for reforms, urging legislators to support House Bill 2074. This proposed legislation aims to provide additional funding for School Safety Officers and to facilitate the hiring of retired officers in these vital roles. State Rep. Matt Gress, the bill’s sponsor, pointed out that the recent incident underscores the necessity for ongoing safety measures in educational environments.

Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar detailed that Officer Bonnano found Hollander in the school gymnasium, engaged in alarming behavior. Prior to his intervention, students had gathered there for classes. Kasmar disclosed that Hollander had reportedly used narcotics for several days and intended harm while on campus.

In a call to action, Horne stated, “We cannot allow the status quo to prevail. It’s imperative that we expedite legislation to ensure additional School Safety Officers are present in every educational institution to protect our children.” The urgency surrounding this initiative has gained momentum following the recent incident and reflects a unified concern for student safety across the community.