Newtown, CT — Yesterday, four students were injured at Timberview High School when a fellow student pulled out a firearm after a fight. While the motive is still under investigation, the family and friends of the suspect have stated that he was being bullied and living in fear.
In response to this tragedy, Nicole Hockley, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, issued the following statement:
“My thoughts are with the students, their families, and the entire Timberview school community during this traumatic time. While I am grateful that no one was killed in yesterday’s school shooting, I am concerned that this incident, where bullying may have led to a shooting, is just one example of what can happen when someone in crisis responds to violence with more violence. Kids are the eyes and ears of their schools. We must encourage and empower young people to speak up when they see bullying, abuse, or any warning signs of violence happening, like withdrawing from friends, family or activities, excessive irritability, or direct threats. Their very lives may depend on it.”
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About Sandy Hook Promise:
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its life-saving, evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. Through nonpartisan policy and partnerships, SHP advances gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education at the state and federal levels that protect all children from gun violence in their schools, homes, and communities. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
Media Contact:
Aimee Thunberg, Senior Director, Communications, Sandy Hook Promise | [email protected] | 646-761-5579