PARKLAND, FLA. (WSVN) - The Parkland community spoke out about the heartbreaking bond they now share with the residents of El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, in the aftermath of two mass shootings that claimed 31 lives.

Parkland residents and officials said they felt a whole range of emotions upon first learning about the tragedies, which unfolded about 13 hours apart over the weekend.

“It brings us right back to where we were when the mass shooting happened in our community,” said Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky.

Hunschofsky, who was serving during the Feb. 14, 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman High School, said she remembers the early stages of tragedy caused caused by gun violence.

“Shock. The initial stage is shock, because for some, you don’t think it’s ever going to happen,” said Hunschofsky, “and then when it does, you start to realize, ‘Oh, no, now this is our community as well.'”

Ryan Petty, who lost his daughter Alaina in the Stoneman Douglas shooting, said he knows what residents of El Paso and Dayton are going through.

“This is probably the second hardest day. That first day is just a shock, but today is the day when it really hits you,” he said.

Artist Manny Oliver, who lost his son Joaquin in Parkland, happened to be in El Paso this past weekend.

“Some will feel better by finding that they have support from another father, from another shooting,” he said.

Lori Alhadeff, who also lost her daughter Alyssa at Stoneman Douglas, is promoting the Make Our Schools Safe initiative.

“What we’re doing now is not working. Our legislators need to come together to figure out some solutions,” she said.

Monday night was National Night Out at Parkland, when Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and community members spend time together.

“We need our legislators to introduce common sense laws that make sense, where we can reduce this type of threat,” said Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony.

Tony also announced the department has purchased 12,000 bleeding control kits. They will be distributed to every school in the county.

With two more communities joining a growing list, President Donald Trump promised more tools to help identify threats.

In his speech, he made a reference to confessed Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz.

“As an example, the monster in the Parkland high school in Florida had many red flags against him, and yet nobody took decisive action. Nobody did anything,” he said.

At least one Parkland parent sees threat assessment as part of the solution.

“How do we prevent a troubled teen like that, once they become an adult, from being able to purchase a firearm?” said Petty. “That’s a question we’ve got to wrestle with as a nation.”

Meanwhile, Hunschofsky had some words of advice for those directly affected by the latest mass shootings, particularly public officials.

“Deep breaths, make sure they get some sleep. You can’t lead if you’re not also taking care of yourselves,” she said. “Show up for your community, just be there. Let your residents know that you’re gonna be available, you’re there as they need you and that you’re all in this together.”

Hunschofsky said she’s had a chance to reach out to the mayors of El Paso and Dayton.

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