NCJ Number
191117
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 70 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 9-13
Date Published
September 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes a school shooting incident in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.
Abstract
The Fort Gibson incident involved a 13-year-old student who brought to school a fully loaded 9-millimeter, semiautomatic pistol, and shot at his classmates until the gun was empty. Officers, including the Chief from the Fort Gibson Police Department, arrived within minutes of receiving a 911 call about the incident. Ultimately, an ambulance and numerous Federal, State, and county law enforcement personnel converged on the school to offer assistance. The article summarized investigation of the incident, certification study of the shooter, and the school's response. The shooter appeared to be bright and well-behaved, had above-average grades, got along well with classmates, and was active in Sunday school and church youth and mission programs. While the incident was quite puzzling and troubling to the community, the article claims that it clearly reinforces the findings of recent research on school violence -- no one can predict when, where, or by whom such violence may be committed. Consequently, it remains difficult to formulate a meaningful preventive response to school shootings or to develop a profile of a likely shooter. While the urge to act quickly is almost overwhelming, it may compound the harm done and prolong recovery. Notes