NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Horrific just isn’t a big enough word to describe what happened in Connecticut.
On Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the state — and the country — watched in horror as the tragic details washed over everyone like a tidal wave. Twenty students and six adults were shot and killed that day.
Just recently, a painful memory resurfaced in April, marking 25 years since the Columbine school shooting.
Amery Bernhardt runs the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation. His office commissioned a study, obtained by News 8, surveying school administrators across Connecticut, focusing on two critical questions: Why are students bringing weapons into school? And how can this be reduced?
Bernhardt said kids directly told school officials they want more mental health support.
The study revealed that the highest percentage of kids said bringing a weapon was unintentional. Next was for safety or protection, followed by showing other kids or getting attention. Finally, the desire to threaten or harm others was lower on the list.
School safety measures vary by district. Some have metal detectors, wand checks, bulletproof glass, and cameras. We analyzed the latest weapon figures from the Connecticut Department of Education. For the 2022/2023 school year, which is the most current data available, 454 knives (2 ½ inches or longer) were seized. Fifty-five handguns were found, up 22% from the previous year. Ninety-five pellet guns, 54 stun guns, and 118 toy guns were also found.
Do we have a story about a toy gun that might just make you shake your head? If you think all the problems are with older kids, think again. You’re about to meet a mom whose 7-year-old son had a gun pointed at his face on the school bus.
It’s a bus ride Pooja Flynn can’t stop thinking about. Her 7-year-old son, Grayson, was on his way to elementary school in Middletown when another child pointed a gun in his face and pulled the trigger. It was a toy gun, but it looked so real, Grayson’s mom told News 8 investigative reporter Jeff Derderian. Keep this in mind, these are second graders we’re talking about.
“When you heard that from the principal, what went through your mind?” Flynn said. “I wanted to get there as soon as I could…my body went numb…toy or not.”
Joe Dooley, with decades of experience in law enforcement, now works with Mutualink, an automated emergency response system being deployed in schools nationwide.
“Within seconds, it brings in a colorized floor plan with cameras plotted on the map, linking to the school’s radio system,” Dooley said. “We are sometimes talking seconds to make an informed decision which actually mitigates the threat and keeps people safe.”
For Flynn, ensuring her son’s safety at school is paramount. The world today is a much different place, even for a 7-year-old.
“Did you ever think you’d have to talk with your 7-year-old about guns?”
“Never,” Flynn responded. “I never thought I’d have to do that.”
