Columbine Anniversary 2012: Outrage as Teens Refer to Massacre as 'Prank'
Today marks 13 years since the Ohio Columbine shootings first occurred; an event which shocked America to its roots. However, since that tragic incident more than 50 other school shootings have been reported across the world.
In 1999, 12 students and one teacher were shot and killed at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. After the incident the two shooters committed suicide, leaving a death total of 15 with another 23 wounded.
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were held accountable for the shootings. Following the incident many charged that bullying had caused the two to retaliate against their classmates.
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Later journalist Dave Cullen would write a book titled "Columbine," which stated that bullying was not a factor in the shootings. Cullen pointed to the two teens' "Trench Coat Mafia" club and the fact that neither targeted a specific group of teens, as evidence that the killings were committed in cold blood murder with no regard to bullying.
Columbine appeared to launch school shootings into the social spectrum. Consequently more than 50 school shootings have occurred since, but the situation seems to be getting even more alarming. Outrageously some students are rather sickeningly offering their backing to the two Columbine shooters to mark the anniversary.
"Today is the anniversary of what is considered by all the best senior prank in the history of the world. A tip of the hat to dylan and eric," Brynn Dawdy wrote on Twitter.
"I love Eric Harris & Dylan Klebold okay guys columbinefangirl4lyfe," Real Sh-t wrote.
"Thats it columbine is over, this time 13 years ago Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed themselves, they are missed xxxx," Little Witchie added.
The comments have disturbed many, especially those who are still suffering from the loss of loved ones.
In 2007, another school shooting occurred in April at Virginia Tech. Cho Seung-Hui, killed two in a dorm, then killed 30 more 2 hours later in a classroom building. Fifteen other students were injured and Seung-Hui later killed himself. The college shooting marked the mostly deadly school shooting in U.S. History.
Peter Langman, PhD wrote the book "Why Kids Kill: Inside The Minds of School Shooters," discussing how to prevent future school shootings. His key piece of advice is to "know your child." Langman suggested doing that by setting boundaries on privacy and taking necessary precaution when the school shows concern for a student. He also discussed gun accessibility.
A memorial service for those who were killed in the Columbine shootings will be held today in Littleton, Colorado not far from school premises.
