Columbine Attack Essay Sample

On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris then 18 years, and Dylan Klebold aged 17 attacked the Columbine High School (Littleton, Colorado) killing thirteen people (CNN, 2014). CBS News (2001) reported that there was a delay in the response to the reporting of the attack. Due to this, the attackers killed more students before both committed suicide. Due to the attack, America learned various lessons.
Dave Cullen (2009) states and explains four main lessons from the Columbine attack. Cullen notes that American unlearned that attackers fit a particular profile. The notion that attackers are lonely disturbed, and the misfits in the society changed in the wake of the Columbine attack. Such is not surprising since, in most cases, criminals may not have a history of wrongdoing.
The second lesson is the most insightful. The fact attacker usual plan in advance and often leak to one or two people, sometimes more. Such means that if one pays attention to what people say, it is possible to stop the attacks. In this case, an attacker may say his or her plans inadvertently or even brag about them to their peers. Reporting such confessions can save lives. However, as Cullen noted, it is important to differentiate between jokes and serious threats. Children may get affected if they cannot joke freely.
The third lesson is very critical. It is essential for the children and teachers to have necessary knowledge on evacuation and how to behave during a crisis. Such can help in the reduction of the casualties. However, the last lesson is unsettling. It is disheartening to know that the police response was not well organized, and even the police did not know where to search. The police need to have full knowledge of the areas they are rescuing with updated maps as wells information from the leaders.

References

Cullen D. (2009). The Four Most Important Lessons of Columbine. Retrieved on April 11, 2015 from <http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history_lesson/2009/04/the_four_most _important_lessons_of_columbine.single.html>
CNN (2014). Columbine High School Shootings Fast Facts. Retrieved on April 11, 2015 from <http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/18/us/columbine-high-school-shootings-fast-facts/>
CBS news. (2001). What Really Happened At Columbine? Retrieved on April 11, 2015 from <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-really-happened-at-columbine/>