LITTLETON, COLORADO – Twenty-five years ago, the nation was shaken by one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history at Columbine High School. On April 20, 1999, two seniors unleashed a horrific attack, leaving twelve students and a teacher dead, with 21 others wounded. Craig Scott, who was a student at the time and a survivor of the tragedy, vividly recalls the horror he witnessed that day in the school library.
Now 41 years old, Scott reflects on the terrifying moments when he was under a desk in the library, paralyzed with fear as the gunmen went on a rampage. The gunmen showed a complete disregard for life, treating the massacre like a game, according to Scott. He recounts the racial slurs directed at his friend Isaiah Shoels before he witnessed their tragic deaths.
In the aftermath of the attack, the community mourned the loss of bright young lives, including Scott’s own sister, Rachel Joy Scott, who was the first victim of the shooting. Families grappled with the immense grief of losing loved ones like Daniel Rohrbough, Kyle Velasquez, and Dave Sanders, the heroic teacher who sacrificed his life to save others.
Since that tragic day, Scott has devoted his life to sharing his sister’s story and spreading messages of forgiveness and compassion. He has found healing through faith, family, and forgiveness, acknowledging the transformative power of these virtues in the face of such profound tragedy.
The impact of the Columbine shooting reverberated through the country, sparking conversations about school safety and gun violence prevention. In the years that followed, 415 people have lost their lives in school shootings, and 907 have suffered injuries, reminding us of the urgent need for change in our society.
Survivors like Krista Hanley continue to grapple with the trauma of that fateful day, dealing with survivor’s guilt and PTSD. Hanley’s journey of healing and advocacy highlights the long-lasting effects of such traumatic events on individuals and communities.
Despite the darkness of that day, stories of resilience and hope have emerged from the Columbine tragedy. Frank DeAngelis, the former principal of Columbine High School, recounts moments of bravery and sacrifice that saved lives on that tragic day. His encounters with students whose lives were forever changed by the events of April 20, 1999, serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of that horrific day.
As the nation reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, it serves as a somber reminder of the work still to be done to prevent such tragedies in the future. The survivors, families, and communities affected by the Columbine massacre continue to grapple with the aftermath, finding strength in unity, remembrance, and a shared commitment to creating a safer world for all.