Arlington, Texas – In the wake of a tragic shooting that claimed the life of an 18-year-old student at Bowie High School, mothers of gun violence victims are urging students to break their silence and report any concerning behavior they witness on campus.
Following the deadly incident, classes were canceled at the school on Thursday, with Arlington ISD announcing that normal activities would not resume until Monday. Police investigators remained on the school grounds to conduct further inquiries into the shooting that occurred on a Wednesday afternoon.
The high school was placed on lockdown after the victim, identified as Etavion Barnes, was shot near a portable classroom building. Authorities swiftly located a person matching the description of the suspected shooter, 17-year-old Julian Howard, who was found on campus near the baseball field and subsequently taken into custody on charges of murder and possession of a controlled substance. Notably, the weapon used in the shooting has yet to be recovered.
The heartbreaking loss of another life to gun violence brought mothers who have endured similar tragedies to Bowie High School, uniting in their shared grief and calls for justice. One mother, the founder of the nonprofit Mothers of Murdered Angels, highlighted the pain and devastation experienced by families who have lost loved ones in such senseless acts of violence.
Reflecting on her own personal losses, the founder emphasized the importance of speaking up and taking proactive measures to prevent future tragedies. Encouraging students to report any suspicious activity they observe, she stressed the impact that a single voice can have in saving lives and fostering a safer school environment for all.
Despite the arrest of Howard, authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting as the suspect has chosen not to cooperate with detectives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for communities to come together and address the underlying issues contributing to such acts of violence, nurturing a culture of awareness and accountability among students and residents alike.