WSUV Students Discuss Gun Control and Safety Following the Recent School Shooting in Bend, Oregon

On October 15, There was a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School at Bend, Oregon. The culprit was identified as 16-year-old Griffin J. John II, who was previously a student at the school. John’s act killed 3 special needs children and one teacher. John was shot by a civilian that witnessed him entering the premises, and therefore cannot be given a sentence.

The usage of guns and major firearms have been a debate in politics and public safety. “People shouldn’t have guns,” Nicole, a student at WSUV stated, “The current rules are not enough, we need more. There needs to be more restrictions on who can get a gun, more on qualifications, and gun training.” 

WSUV student Wyatt had a similar approach. “There needs to be more gun control and more enforcement. I think there needs to be a serious look into mental health in addition to gun control; the issues stem from what environment the child is being raised into.” He mentioned that parental responsibility and social media may have major impacts on the child’s actions.

WSUV students expressed concern of the possibility of the same happening in higher education institutions, especially given that this shooting happened so close to the university. 

“I’m always concerned about my safety,” WSUV student Ander said. “One of my siblings was in an active shooter zone and now I’m terrified that I’ll be caught in one. I’m scared of what will happen to my family if I was ever caught in that situation.”

On the other hand, some students don’t show as much concern. “I’m worried about a school shooting in the same way that I’m worried about a nuclear war. There’s no way for me to prevent it as an individual,” Wyatt said. Nicole agreed, “it’s something that comes up, but I’m not actively making decisions around it.”

One of the major concerns with the Bend investigation is how the suspect got past security and surveillance measures. Nicole mentioned that she isn’t aware of any of the security measures or support systems put in place around campus. She recalled that a conversation was held about the locks in meeting rooms at WSUV a while back, but those are the only “safe spots” that she can remember at a moment’s notice.