Since the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Valentine’s Day 2018, much is being bandied-about regarding gun control policies, school security, arming teachers, mental health, and civic duties to report aberrations of conscience. Although credible, perhaps the words “See something, say something” ought to be amended to “See something, say something NOW!” Indeed, with all the emphasis as is necessary to be clear-cut and compelling.
Credibly, a few folks did report the assailant’s questionable behavior/statements. Sadly, we now learn deaf ears and/or incompetent figures served as a matchstick igniting the fuse of a reported foe.
Voted Florida’s safest city in 2016, Parkland is now on the map of unspeakable and unforgettable horror at the hands of one who publicized enough red herrings to choke a bear.
“I’m going to be a professional school shooter”
In the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida mass-shooting incident evolves what we did or didn’t know. Brought to light is a report that a bail bondsman observed an ominous message written upon social media by alleged gunman Nikolas Cruz, approximately two months before the Valentine’s Day massacre. Cruz allegedly wrote “I’m going to be a professional school shooter” as a comment on a YouTube thread in September 2017.
Ben the Bondsman shares his detailed account and chronicles what transpired after he reported the “heinous comment” to YouTube security and the FBI. Ben the Bondsman epitomizes the “See something, say something” moniker…despite not being appropriately heeded in this case.
In such a circumstance, law enforcement (especially the FBI) has ample access technical resources to forensically determine the origin (IP address) of any comment compelling any concern. Regardless of Ben the Bondsman dignifying the desire to not judge people, he does coin the comment “keyboard commando” in regards to how some information (threats) may be real while others may be mere merriment. Nevertheless, a must-do policy us most judicious: notify law enforcement authorities and let investigators investigate. Let’s thwart tragedies after red flags are waved before our eyes.
Within 24 hours, federal agents with Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) traced Cruz’s AR-15 to Sunrise Tactical Supply in Coral Springs, Florida, mere miles from the Parkland school. Per ATF agents, Cruz passed a background check and was sold the AR-15 back in February 2017, meaning he made the purchase when he was roughly 18 1/2 years old. He wrote the foreboding comment on YouTube when he was 19. That leaves the question of mental capacity and firearms sales.
“Blood on their Hands”
Stemming from the inexplicable Parkland school ordeal, the gun control debate has fuel poured all over it. Not necessarily a bad thing, but the nasties on the Left are out swinging. Once again, The gun did it! arguments ensued. AR-15s with brains? How novel. Farming accident? Outlaw all John Deere products pronto. DUI fatality? Abolish all motor vehicles before another boozer gets the keys. Airplane hijacked by terrorists? I told you about them darn planes. Boeing, it’s quits! Build no more!
https://twitter.com/JamieM2481/status/965279182715572225
It’s so easy to blame the inorganic instruments instead of their organic handlers. It is uncanny that highly intelligent folks are making accusations without recognizing clear-cut distinctions. Or is it just politics?
Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said of the Parkland, Florida school massacre: “[Cruz] got sucked into a counterculture of violence, a culture that is enamored with school shootings. And media, you are to blame for that, because you keep giving these people headlines. You keep using their names. You have made them heroes to some people.”
Interestingly, for several days superseding the Parkland shooting, schools across the nation reported arrests of varying youngsters who either physically brought a firearm to school or threatened to do so and shoot it up. Sheriff Knezovich tapped that polluted well.
As to the so-called gun-grabbing politicians, Sheriff Knezovich concisely coined, “The gun didn’t change. We changed.”
A friend of mine, Law Enforcement Today spokesman Kyle Reyes agreed with the sheriff, saying, “The tool isn’t the problem…the person is.”
I came across an incumbent for Connecticut attorney general who, upon his official letterhead, published anti-gun vitriol and cast aspersions at Congress, pointedly stating that politicians on the Capitol refuse to do anything about gun violence because they are in the gun manufacturers’ pockets to the tune of millions in donations.
The incumbent to whom I refer is Chris Mattei (D), a trial lawyer whose online material indicates unequivocal opposition to the Trump administration. From all I read about Mr. Mattei, he holds no love for President Trump. He stands with and protects (aids and abets) illegal immigrants, for example.
In his publicized statement regarding the Parkland, Florida school shooting, Mr. Mattei inarguably goes on the offensive toward gun rights instead of attacking the actions of the Parkland school mass-shooting offender:
My full statement on the Parkland shooting. pic.twitter.com/uOEM1XfC37
— Chris Mattei (@ChrisMatteiCT) February 15, 2018
Mr. Mattei’s contention speculates pocket-lining yet does not even hint at a more immediate solution to the purported “gun violence” and mass-shooting from which he found courage to lambast federal officials.
Whether he has a valid argument or not is open for debate. Lord knows we’ve had some shady shenanigans and bogus business in Congress and the Senate lately. Mr. Mattei seems to clench the throat of the gun industry (2nd Amendment) and members on the Hill (Constitutionalists).
But his stone-throwing does nothing for when schools open Monday thru Friday.
Commenting below the above Facebook photograph was Sam Coleman who scored it this way: “Every politician who voted to let mentally ill people possess firearms should be on trial with the shooter. They are the ones that WANTED him to have that firearm.”
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R – SC) weighed-in, saying, “As devastating as the loss of life is, the loss of innocence for this generation of children, I don’t know anyone who would not pass a bill today that would prevent the next mass shooting.”
Responding to the gun control debate for the DCClothesline.com, Tim Brown wrote, “…no ink on paper will stop a criminal from committing crime!” Mr. Brown expounded, saying, “We won’t actually think about justice. We only want to think about more ways to grow the tyrannical beast, infringe on the peoples’ rights and engage in gun prohibition.”
On Fox News Sunday, Rush Limbaugh said, “It’s not the fault of the NRA. It is the fault of the people doing this and our inability that and stop them.”
No matter one’s stance on our nation’s gun control platforms, it boils down to what is best for the majority. Albeit sensitive, it equates to surgical-precision scrutiny regarding mentally-ill citizens and access to any firepower. This is an ongoing debate in and of itself.
“The gun didn’t change. We changed.”
Indeed, it is a difficult argument to wage for human rights and constitutional allowances while sifting through unique cases whereby 2nd Amendment predisposition to guns is a cord facing severance.
Although Connecticut AG-hopeful Chris Mattei is throwing barbs at elected officials, a much-closer-to-home factor is, in my opinion, more plausible to achieve some resolve related to school massacres. Instead of taking-up the issue going from A-Z, why not the more readily-attainable and conducive step of going from A-B? I am emphasizing training/arming teachers in schools. Who else is more prevalently around students for most of the school day? Not even school resource officers can claim that crucial denominator.
Arming teachers is not a novel concept, it merely hasn’t mustered enough encouragement. Whether it be the cost factor or the parental sensitivities to armed educators or the school district’s philosophies or liabilities…it is the most-tangible resolution at the local level and not a Congressional one.
The flip-side countering Mr. Mattei’s myopic argument is lack of guns: Protective ones.
As Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd coined last year: “Ducks need to shoot back!”
But some law enforcement experts see it differently.
Philip Mudd, former FBI agent and current counterterrorism analyst broadcast by CNN, went on-air Wednesday and wept while addressing the Parkland shooting. Before breaking down on live TV, Mr. Mudd was saying, “I have ten nieces and nephews,. We’re talking about bump stocks, we’re talking about legislation. A child of God is dead. Can not we acknowledge in this country that we cannot accept this?”
Realizing his composure was waning, Mr. Mudd deferred to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “I can’t do it, Wolf. I’m sorry, we can’t do it.”
Why do we repeatedly knee-jerk after a shooting and turn back the pages to determine if the bad guy publicized his hatred? Indeed, that information lends well to “premeditation” and prosecutorial pursuits; there is no denying the invaluable nature of pre-staged factors. It also makes the See something, say something concept look hollow. Forensic analyses are vital and pertinent to the investigation so that we can try to comprehend the morose mind behind it all…to ensure that particular brand of history does not repeat. However, by sifting through the steps before the shooter’s spree there is less of a guarantee that these crazy episodes will not recur.
Not much of the aforementioned readily lends to preemptive measures. Available resources do. And the most readily available resource in every school is teachers.
Armed Teachers
All but one school teacher with whom I spoke enthusiastically lay claim that they are down for the challenge of bearing-arms to preserve their studious charges. The sole standout is simply ambivalent about her abilities to properly handle a firearm — that is why training is germane.
You may recall: OpsLens published a story reporting on a Florida college (Southeastern University, a Christian-based institution) in my area whereby campus policy was to train/arm professors and faculty, compliments of county Sheriff Grady Judd and his contingent of sworn firearms instructors.
Southeastern’s armed professors concept —the nation’s first-ever “Sentinel Program”— is relatively validated by zero instances of gun-toting intruders or mayhem on their Lakeland, Florida campus. No “Gun-free Zone” signs are seen on Southeastern property, because that is not the philosophy to which administration adheres.
Legal insurrection —”In conformity with or permitted by law”— is what Southeastern University administrators opted as a campus safety feature. Sheriff Grady Judd proudly boasts, “We are so proud to partner with the staff and faculty at this school, as well as all the other schools in Polk County – together, we are working to make Polk County the safest place in the nation to attend elementary, middle, high, and college classes!”
The Parkland high school’s school resource officer (SRO) was present when Cruz walked upon campus grounds and yanked the nearest fire alarm handle, but not exactly in proximity to the shooter when things went down. That sole, legitimate, armed law enforcer was not in a tactical advantage on Valentine’s Day, but teachers were, exponentially.
“Ducks need to shoot back!”
Nobly, one of the school football coaches, Aaron Feis, shielded some students with his body, and he paid the price. What if he were armed and able to shoot back? How many lives could have been saved had he felled Cruz before chaos continued? How much smaller could the number of casualties have been?
Stemming from 9/11’s mass destruction and calamitous casualties, we threw gobs and gobs of money at shoring-up national security in unprecedented fashion. Ensuring Constitutional liberties while trying to grab nemeses by the throat before they got close enough became the new normal. The results were significantly-tightened parameters regarding public flow funneled at gates much like granules in an hour-glass. Boarding airplanes became an all-day affair.
Harsh rebukes and barbs were hurled at national security authorities and the federal government which rewrote policy, in effect changing citizens’ habits/lives. Everyone was aghast at what transpired on September 11, 2011, yet changes to our way of life were met with head-butting. WE simply can not have it both ways. Foreign and domestic terrorists see weaknesses and prey on them. We forfeit any advantages.
Akin to post-9/11 advents, do we infuse millions or even billions into school security measures? Besides any notion of increasing police presence in educational environments, do we mass-fund the arming of teachers willing to train against would-be assailants on campus? Not doing so is tantamount to a banner inviting evil.
There is no ambiguity in the term “armed and ready.” Despite lack of funds for more police officers and notwithstanding those who argue “we look like a police state,” we have an obligation to not only youngsters shaping their brains in classrooms but also educational guardians who dedicate their lives to provide knowledge. It’s an investment of theirs. Like any wise investor, you do what is legitimate and necessary to preserve your venture.
Teachers are optimally placed to fight back instead of laying down and hoping the Prince of Darkness dissolves into thin air. Despite anti-gun enthusiasts’ arguments, teachers have a 2nd Amendment right to legally carry a firearm for self-preservation and for protection of others (students). And students have a right to education free from slaughter brought about by an armed and demented intruder.
Why not turn the page forward and make landmark decisions such as justifiably weaponizing educators so that A) Crazed individuals are aware and/or repelled before they strike, and B) Absent repelling suspects, school staff are armed-and-ready to preempt carnage via self-defensive measures?
Kyle Reyes, a law enforcement proponent had the following to say: ” And people — “arming every teacher” is NOT the right move either. Do you really want a gender studies professor who is triggered by the sight of a police officer to be armed? Of course not. Part of the solution does, however, include allowing teachers who WANT to be armed to meet certain training requirements and then allowing them to carry.” Well, it sounds like some compromise is evident.
In fact, Reyes predominately espouses having retired cops and military veterans take-up the school security job. I do not disagree with those warrior roles either. Frankly, I am not for limitations which would weaken the overall objective. If the campus ratio was, say, seven repurposed cops/veterans on campus to a school’s double-digit number of teachers, the educators are the majority. Liken it to a bad guy going-up against one football player versus the entire defensive line. Strength in numbers. Speaking of numbers, I’d gladly pay more taxes for educational endeavors; we all win with knowledge-based investments.
So…former cops, military veterans, or educators? What are your views?
The night of the Parkland, Florida mass shooting resulted in the Hanover, Colorado school district voting in 3-2 favor of its teachers voluntarily arming themselves after requisite firearms training was achieved.
The following day, a 15-year-old brought a firearm to his Georgia school; luckily, police were alerted and averted any violence, arresting the teen. In March 2017, a dad saw something and said something after he found his teen daughter’s journal with plans to roll-out a shooting at her high school in Maryland.
Mark Fuhrman, a former Los Angeles detective, told Laura Ingraham, “Our youth are some of the most important people in the country. And yet it seems that we secure them the least.” On live TV, Fuhrman petitioned “I think you need to make school security a specialty.” For the most part, it is. School resource officers are on many campuses across the nation, and these specialized police roles train to suit the needs of educational compounds.
The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) responded to the Parkland, Florida mass-shooting while at a Washington, D.C. meeting with Department of Justice officials. On February 16, 2018 NASRO executives “called for more funding to place carefully selected, properly trained school resource officers in every school in the United States.”
We shall see if the federal government heeds that call and puts money where its mouth is. Until such a time, teachers are already on the school grounds, doing their job and safeguarding kids with meager means. Armed teachers as a norm sends an unequivocal message to would-be maniacs with plans of mayhem: We are armed and ready!
Ever wonder how many mass murders occur at the hunting lodge or gun range?
