Gun violence is increasing in the United States and it has reached a point where educational institutions such as schools and universities are becoming targets. A recent high school shooting in St Louis in October 2022 resulted in the death of two victims, while several others were injured. It also resulted in a statement by the White House.
Now a troublesome incident from Michigan has shocked the nation to its core on Thursday, when reports emerged that a 10-year-old boy from the state made threats to shoot the elementary school he studies at, similar to Ethan Crumbley, the gunman responsible for the Oxford High School shooting.
The Oxford High School shooting took place on November 30, 2021, and resulted in the death of three victims. The shooter, Ethan Crumbley, who was 15 years old at the time, pleaded guilty recently to a total of 24 charges.
The Michigan boy, who made threats to shoot up his school, is from Lake Orion, a short drive south of Oxford. “I’m going to shoot up the school like Ethan Crumbley,” he told a Paint Creek Elementary schoolmate on October 28, as per Fox 2 Detroit.
The boy was taken to Oakland County Children’s Village, where he had to spend a night. Meanwhile, further reports suggested that the boy’s father had guns at home in an unsecured state.
“The month of November brings other potential disruptions in our community,” Ben Kirby, Lake Orion Community Schools Superintendent, said in a statement on October 28.
“The anniversary of the tragedy in Oxford will elicit the urge for some to mimic the disruption with false threats and behaviors that cause problems. We have seen this in our county this past week and security experts tell us that this type of behavior sustains for two to three years following a tragedy,” he added.
The superintendent urged parents to explain to their children that threats and similar behavior will be reported to the authorities and can lead to expulsion from public schools, added to other legal consequences.
“All threats and threatening behavior will be taken seriously and referred to police and the consequences can be as severe as expulsion from public schools, in addition to the legal ramifications,” he said.
Also Read: Uvalde shooting: Doctor to review if victims had survivable injuries
The Oakland County prosecutor’s office is yet to make a statement on the incident. Meanwhile, David Williams, the Chief Assistant Prosecutor, has mentioned that a criminal charge is not the correct response. He also added that authorities have kept an eye on the family and are now determining the steps that can be taken.
“Right now we have eyes on this family, and we’re determining what steps we need to take to keep the family safe,” he said.
