The sympathy and sadness is overwhelming today for the victims and their families.  As the story continues to unfold, it raises the question, "could this have been prevented?"  We're working on a story for tonight's 5pm newscast right now that looks into that question of how school security, the school administration, the community, friends and family of the shooter may all have a role in preventing this type of tragedy.  What do you think?  Is someone to blame?  Should the school have reacted by locking-down the campus?  Or is this something that was going to happen no matter what? 

-Emily Sinovic, Fox 23 Reporter

I believe it could have been prevented from happening after the sign there was the 1st shooting they should have went to automatic lock down.and i think there is alot to blame.thank you my opion

Emily-my .02

I think there is only one person to blame, the shooter.  I don't think there is anyway anyone could have known this man was going to do this.  I also do think that if he did not have access to guns, he would have found another way to do this. Even people closest to this man really probably could not have stopped him, if he was determined.  He may have well killed them also.

I think that you are right,he is the only one to blame!!!! I also agree with you when you said that they should have been on lock down!!!!

Yes this is a sad situation. I cried my eyes out and I dont know anyone from there but I feel for all the family and friends of the victims. I also feel sad for the Killers family too especially his parents. This is a sad time in their lives too, that was their child. But I do believe after the first shooting at the school and they hadnt gotton the gunman yet the school should of been on lockdown.

QUEEN

I think the school handled the situation properly.  They could not have forseen a crazed gun man pulling off a second attack.  I believe they thought the first shooting was just an isolated incident.  From my understanding the campus is very much like a small town with 11,000 visitors and students milling about.  Imagine shutting down a small town in only a 2 hour time frame, nearly impossible. 

Second, I hope that the tragedy will inspire those on Capital Hill to push for legislation allowing access to mental health care for all Americans.  Disorders which can but do not always lead to homicidal rage such as depression, bi-polar disorder, and schizophrenia are treatable.  Do you know how many Americans suffer from these conditions but don't seek treatment because they don't have health insurance and cannot afford it? I imagine it's a lot.  I bet if we as a nation had access to mental health care we would see a steady decline in violent crimes and even substance abuse.   

IT'S SAD THAT ARE NATION HAS GOT TO BE LIKE THIS.  I'M CONFUSSED ON HOW AND WHY?  I'M 32 YEARS OLD AND I DO NOT REMEMBER ANY THINK LIKE THIS EVER HAPPENING WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL! HOW DID WE LET THIS WORLD GET LIKE THIS?  DOSE ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS?

THANKS

NHRA1FAN

RHONDA

I know how could the nation & world get like this? It was so safe but now it's so dangerous!!!

Thank you all for your interest in discussing the issue.  I think something that could also be discussed  is gun control.  That was one of the first issues that this shooting raised from some.  It was rumored the shooter would not have been able to buy the type of equipment he did if there were stricter gun control laws.  Do you think stricter laws could have prevented this?  Or do you think that gun control is not the solution? 

More gun control is NOT the solution!  Law abiding people are not the people who commit this kind tragedy!!  Gun control does not keep guns out of the hands of criminals.  

I also do not think this could have been prevented.  He would have found a way to accomplish what he thought he needed to accomplish.

There is always "after the fact" talk about what "should have been done".......I get so tired of people "blaming" anyone other than the person who actually pulled the trigger!!  

 

I don't  think that gun control is not the problem.The shooter was the problem because he had a mental condition.

I have to agree with you T11.  Gun control would have made no difference in this situation.  I think this person would have found a way to do this with or without guns.  If guns were not availbable he would have found another way, whether it was arson or a bomb or somthing normal people could never dream up.