Littleton, Colorado – The 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre is fast approaching, a day that forever changed the community, the nation, and the world. On that tragic day in April 20, 1999, two student gunmen killed 12 fellow students, a teacher, and then themselves, leaving an indelible mark on American history. As a journalist who covered the aftermath of the mass shooting, the shock and grief were unimaginable.
Since then, the frequency of mass shootings has tragically increased, with Columbine falling to number 16 in the list of deadliest mass shootings in America. The national response to mass shootings has also followed a familiar pattern, with politicians expressing condolences, offering thoughts and prayers, and emphasizing the need for mourning and healing for the affected communities.
In 2023, a mass shooting at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa, resulted in the death of a sixth grader and the injury of six people before the 17-year-old student shooter took his own life. The incident marked the first mass shooting of the year, yet, tragically, it is quickly forgotten in the face of the overwhelming number of mass shootings that continue to plague the nation.
In the wake of these tragic events, the victims’ families and survivors are left to grapple with the permanent trauma and impact of gun violence, while the general public, as a result of the sheer frequency of such atrocities, becomes desensitized to the pain and loss. The all-too-familiar cycle of shock, mourning, and forgetting has become an unfortunate norm in American society.
Our national response to these repeated tragedies has bred a sense of desensitization, making it all the more crucial to remember the lives lost and the ongoing impact of gun violence. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, the need for substantive action on gun laws and greater public awareness of the lasting effects of these horrific events becomes increasingly critical.
In 2023, Perry, Iowa experienced a mass shooting at Perry High School, marking the first mass shooting of the year. This event is a striking reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence, shedding light on the urgent need for tangible change and greater awareness of the ongoing consequences of such tragedies.