It's Happened Again - Shooting at New Mexico High School Kills Two + Shooter

I can't believe this is happening again.  Shootings at high schools are becoming all too common.  I can't imagine being afraid of somebody bringing a gun to school when I was in high school (decades ago).

This time the shooting happened at a high school in a small town called Aztec in New Mexico.  Two students were killed, Casey Marquez and Francisco Fernandez.  The shooter has not yet been identified but he apparently too was killed.  It's unclear whether he died by suicide or if the police shot him.  Students described hiding in classrooms and being terrified.  Not much is yet known about the students that were killed but Casey Marquez was apparently a cheerleader.

Aztec High School, New Mexico (AP News)

According to AP News a vigil was held for the slain classmates.  Police have said more information will be released.  Senior Bryn Divine says she first heard noises that sounded like somebody hitting the lockers with a baseball bat.  An announcement was made over the intercom that this was not a drill.  That announcement may have saved many lives as teachers began locking the classroom doors.  This sounds like it could have been much worse.  The police reportedly responded to the call for help within a minute, gaining entrance to the school through a window and door since the school was already locked down.

Aztec High, AP News

Press Conference - AP News

Vigil for Aztec High - AP News

It sounds like Aztec High was well prepared for an "active shooter" situation, which is sad.  It's sad the children have to even think about what could happen while they are at school to learn.  Aztec is a small town of approximately 6,500 people so this is hitting them hard.  SOMETHING MUST BE DONE WITH GUN CONTROL.  How many of these stories will we have to endure before the government gets involved and enacts more federal laws and tightens the screws to the NRA? The NRA seemingly will do anything to protect peoples rights to own a gun.  It is a right, but it's supposed to be for self protection and hunting - not hunting humans.

I realize it's people that are doing the killing.  The guns don't aim and shoot.  But it seems that guns are too readily available and they are getting into the hands of people who shouldn't be anywhere near a weapon.  It seems Columbine started this whole school shooting scenario and not to downplay only two people being killed here, but if the school administration and police hadn't acted so quickly it could have been as bad.  This happened right as school was beginning - first period.  Some students are afraid to go back to school and want teachers to be allowed to carry guns.  Not a bad idea, but I suppose you could get a rogue teacher as well.  What is the answer to this epidemic?

No motive has been given for the shooting - all that is known is that both of the students killed were reportedly student athletes. The police haven't even said if the shooter was a current or former student at Aztec High.  When more details are released, I will post them.

My thoughts and prayers are with all involved in this tragedy.  What is happening to our country?C