The Right Thing
Grandmother probably saved lives, prevented Seattle school shooting
America is still reeling from the horrific school shooting Wednesday in Florida. former student, just 19, is accused of killing 17 people and wounding 15 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, one of the largest schools in Broward County. More information is being discovered, and by the time you read this, even more will be available. But even after we know all we can know, it still won’t answer the big questions. Why does this keep happening? How do we stop it from happening again?
We don’t have the answers. What we do have is a bit of hope.
Because something happened across the country a day before the shooting that gives us that hope.
On Tuesday, police in Seattle arrested Joshua Alexander O’Connor, 18, a student at ACES High School. He is being held on attempted murder among other charges.
O’Connor kept a journal in which he allegedly wrote about killing kids at school. The journal reportedly had plans for a school shooting and details on how to make explosives. There was also a description of a Monday armed robbery police believe O’Connor might have been a part of.
A raid on the suspect’s house revealed the journal, inert hand grenades that could be activated and a rifle.
There is no telling what would have happened. But it’s very possible tragedy was averted.
But how?
Because the boy’s grandmother had seen the journal and, however hard it must have been, called police. We imagine most would have a very difficult time turning in a close family member.
Many of us would probably have passed off such writings as fantasy. Too many video games or violent films, maybe.
We can’t afford to be that complacent. Not these days. The boy’s grandmother did the right thing. She probably saved lives.
We hope others do the same. Look, listen, and, if you see something troubling, get in touch with the authorities. It’s better to be wrong and do the right thing than fail through inaction to prevent what could be a tragedy.