Dear Editor,
Much will be made in the papers and other media about what a troubled person this must be to shoot herself in order to bring attention to a "security problem" at her school and that she needs help. This may be very true. But something else disturbs me:
It's being reported she may face misdemeanor charges of filing a false police report. That's it?
What about the federal law against having a firearm within 1,000 feet of a public school? What about the state and federal law against having a firearm ON the grounds of a public shool? What about the charge of reckless/negligent discharge of a firearm? What about the violation of Shannon's Law regarding discharge of a firearm within city limits? What about child endangerment? Did she have a CCW permit? If not, what about the charge of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit?
I am sure she broke other laws of which I am unaware...God knows there are plenty of them on the books. Why isn't there any talk of charging her with these crimes? Because she's a teacher "making a statement"? Because she may not be "well"? Sorry...I didn't think the law was supposed to be applied differently to law breakers.
The police SWAT teams combed the neighborhood looking for a non-existent suspect....officers carrying fully automatic weapons. We can thank God that someone marginally matching this sick indiviual's description didn't happen along...the wrong place at the wrong time.
Sincerely,
Tim Weaver
Glendale, AZ
602.850.3467 days