File:Five Facts About Mass Shootings in K-12 Schools banner; public domain
In Chronicles, Auguste Meyrat sheds light on the disturbing case of Colt Gray, a 14-year-old who opened fire at Apalachee High School in Georgia, leaving two teachers and two classmates dead. Despite all the red flags—Gray’s history of threats, his online presence idolizing a mass shooter, and his father’s reckless decision to gift him an AR-15—no action was taken to prevent the tragedy. As Meyrat highlights, “The problem is that there are instances when nothing is done even when all the evidence points to a potential catastrophe.”
Why did law enforcement and school authorities ignore all the warning signs? Meyrat suggests that the reluctance to act stems from a fear of accusations. “People in charge want to avoid accusations of discrimination,” he explains, especially when the troubled student fits certain protected categories—whether racial, psychological, or related to gender identity. Authorities would rather do nothing than risk being labeled intolerant or sued for taking necessary action against an obvious threat.
This case is yet another example of how political correctness and bureaucratic hesitancy cost lives. It’s clear that Gray, who was mentally disturbed and known for his erratic behavior, was a ticking time bomb. Meyrat points out that the system had plenty of paperwork on Gray and other students like him; “Everyone knows who these students are, and no one is surprised when they turn out to be school shooters.” Yet, schools and law enforcement choose not to intervene.
The real problem isn’t a lack of awareness—it’s a lack of courage and common sense. Instead of just beefing up security or clamoring for gun control, we need administrators and officials willing to make tough calls to protect students. As Meyrat concludes, “In most cases, it’s just having the courage to do the obvious thing.” Protecting our schools means applying the obvious, sensible measures, regardless of political backlash.
