Sofia, the daughter of Cuban singer Alexander Delgado, leader of the duo Gente de Zona, and María Vargas, experienced a harrowing event this week that has resonated with her family and mothers everywhere who saw the video circulating on social media. The incident took place at her school in Orlando, Florida, when a man armed with a knife infiltrated the campus, causing panic among students, teachers, and staff. The school’s lockdown alarm was immediately triggered, prompting students to take cover as police responded to the scene.
María Vargas, who was at home at the time, reacted with visible distress. Later, she walked with her daughter under an umbrella, capturing a video where Sofia recounted the events. "I was on my bus heading to school, and over the speaker, they shouted 'Lockdown, lockdown,' which means someone entered the school. A person with a knife was running around, and police were chasing him. A person got killed; it’s unknown if it was a child or a teacher. Then a girl started crying because she was going to the high school," Sofia explained.
In the same video, amidst the fear and alarm, her mother made a promise: "I’m taking you out of that school. You’re going to a private one. You’re my only daughter. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what school is safe in this country." María expressed her frustration in the video's description, saying, "I’m tired… Parents don’t send their kids to school, and it’s wise! Is no school safe here or what?"
The video sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Numerous users expressed their support for María and shared similar experiences. Some mothers mentioned that as a preventive measure, they were homeschooling their children. One follower shared, "My grandkids have been in homeschool for two years." Others, however, pointed out that even private schools don’t guarantee safety: "Private schools are worse," and "Things happen in private schools too," were among the comments.
Many also highlighted Sofia's composure in recounting the incident. "Amazing how clearly she narrated it, poor thing," one user commented. Another added, "It broke my heart when she said 'a person got killed; it’s unknown if it was a child or a teacher.' What a horror for a child to go through that."
The comments also sparked discussions about the American educational system and the lack of effective measures against school violence. "This country has a serious problem that no one is solving," a mother wrote. Some advised María to consider moving back to Canada, where she previously lived and where many users feel safer. "Canada is the place to be," several remarked.
As the debate continues, María Vargas has made it clear that her priority is her daughter’s safety. After this incident, she is not willing to risk it again.
Concerns About School Safety and Parental Decisions
How did the school handle the security breach in Orlando?
The school activated its lockdown alarm immediately, prompting students to seek shelter as the police intervened to handle the situation.
What was María Vargas' reaction to the incident?
María Vargas was visibly distressed and promised to move her daughter to a private school, expressing doubts about the safety of schools in the country.
How did social media users react to the video shared by María?
Many users supported María, sharing similar experiences and discussing the safety of public versus private schools, with some advocating for homeschooling.
What broader issues does this incident highlight?
The situation underscores concerns about the effectiveness of measures against school violence in the United States and prompts discussions about the safety of educational environments.