What could have been different?
@mudd_media Tim Mudd
Dear Leading Ladies,
Once again, our eyes are glued to the tv and newspapers, as we absorb the details of yet another tragic killing in a school. And, once again, we shake our heads, convinced, perhaps this time more than ever, that the deaths could have been prevented.
Four children killed, six others injured. High school students who had no personal connection to their attacker. Children who went to school expecting nothing more than a regular day of classes, quizzes, tests, hanging around lockers and lunch tables, and maybe going to club meetings or after-school sports practices.
The more we learn about the horror that unfolded in Oakland, Michigan, the more senseless it seems. Ethan Crumbley’s father took him to a gun shop on November 26 and purchased a semi-automatic gun. He told the gun dealer the weapon was for himself; as far as we know, the dealer had no reason to suspect otherwise. Again, as far as we know, father and son gave no indication that the gun was really for the 15-year-old who was clearly underage to own a firearm. (In Michigan, you must be 18 to own a gun; those under 18 can use one under close supervision for hunting or target practice.)
What could have been different?
There could be stricter laws for buying guns. Sellers could be required to ask who would be using the guns and under what circumstances. Sellers could be required to review gun safety rules. Just as bartenders are now compelled to stop serving those who have had too much to drink, so might it be part of gun dealers’ jobs to promote safety and to spot troubling situations.
That day, Ethan posted on social media, a picture of a semi-automatic gun with the caption, “Just got my beauty today.” A day later, Ethan’s mother posted on social media: ”Mother and son testing out his new Christmas present.”
What could have been different?
Those who saw Ethan’s disturbing posts could have reported them to authorities. The admonition, “If you see something, say something,” needs to be encouraged so that people feel not only justified but obligated to report concerns about children who post troubling photos or messages without infringing on privacy rights. This was a young boy in trouble, threatening illegal activity publicly, but no one in authority was alerted to his messages on social media.
And then, on November 28, the day before the shooting, a teacher spotted Ethan searching ammunition sites. She reported this to school administrators who left a voicemail for the parents about their concern. When the school did not receive a response, they followed up with a text. Still, no response. Ethan’s mother, Jennifer, did, however, text her son, “Lol, I’m not mad at you. You have to learn not to get caught.”
What could have been different?
The law could require gun owners to lock their weapons. Mr. Crumbley might have considered securing his weapon after the call and text from the school if the law required it. Instead, Michigan law only advises that a gun owner lock up their weapons. Specifically, Michigan law now reads, “a trigger lock, gun case or other device designed to prevent unauthorized access to a firearm is strongly recommended.” Not very compelling.
On November 29, another of Ethan’s teachers became concerned when she saw his drawing of a gun, a person shot and bleeding, and the words, “The thoughts won’t stop. Help me.” And “my life is useless,” followed by “The world is dead.” Ethan’s drawings and writing certainly indicate feelings that could make him a danger to himself and others.
This teacher had the good sense to take Ethan and his backpack to the school counselor. It has been reported that Ethan claims the scribblings were all just part of a video game he was designing, and he answered “probing questions” about his intentions and state of mind in a reportedly calm and plausible manner. His parents, who were called in, were told they must get their son counseling within 48 hours. Neither the school personnel nor the parents inspected the contents of the backpack, and school administrators did not require that he leave school that day when his parents refused to take him home. Instead, Ethan returned to his classroom with the gun in his backpack. The superintendent later defended that action by saying that “no discipline was warranted,” revealing a lack of understanding about preventive interventions versus punitive measures.
What could have been different?
When the parents refused to take their son home, the school counselors and administrators could have insisted that Ethan leave school until a full psych evaluation was completed. Diagnosis in adolescence can be complicated, but a phone call to the school’s consulting physician or psychiatrist could have prevented a tragedy. Hopefully, Oakland schools have protocols for such situations and training required for all administrators about warning signs of aberrant behavior. Putting these protocols into effect in the midst of a crisis can be daunting, but we could not afford to have such a tragic breakdown in what needed to be done.
And someone could have checked the damn backpack!
Once the news announced the shooting, James Crumbley went home to see if his unlocked gun was missing. Indeed, it was. Jennifer Crumbley texted her son, “Don’t do it.”
Far too little. Far too late.
Ethan surrendered without resistance. Once it was announced that his parents would be arrested for involuntary manslaughter, they disappeared, though they have since been apprehended and charged. They seemed willing to leave their very troubled son to face his demons alone. Even as we grieve for his victims, It is difficult not to feel some pity for this poor boy as well.
Will this be the school shooting that brings us to the point of changing laws and saving lives? Or will the NRA continue to dominate the policies and legislation that put guns in the hands of children, cause suicide rates to soar, and foster violence in neighborhoods plagued by systemic poverty? Some organizations that are fighting gun violence and can use your support are Moms Demand Action, Center for Gun Violence Prevention at Mass General Hospital, Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady United, and The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Stop Handgun Violence.
Hope can be tough some days, but our children deserve ours.
Therese
Judy
Mary
Beth
Leading Ladies Executive Team
ladies@leadingladies.org
leadingladiesvote.org