School shootings in America are a horrible public health epidemic: Must be treated with prevention strategies!

MADISON, WI- Yet another school shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School on December 16, 2024, in Madison Wisconsin. 

Where is the will to end the school shooting tragedies?

Echo opinion letter published in The Boston Globe:

Official says Wisconsin shooter was new student at the Christian school where her victims had deep ties.

Aside from finger-pointing and litigation, where is the active prevention of this kind of violence and the follow through to act❓

The normalization of school shootings in America must serve as a wake-up call. We must no longer merely react to these tragedies — we must ask ourselves, “What is happening here? Why is this happening?” We cannot accept such violence as normal — we must act.

While media coverage often focuses on the immediate tragedy, the critical question of why — as in, what motivates these acts — often goes unexplored. Understanding these motives is crucial for both public awareness and effective prevention. Mental health professionals need this insight to intervene early, before issues escalate into violence, whether in schools or the broader community.

I propose establishing a commission of behavioral health experts dedicated to investigating the motives, triggers, and warning signs of these violent events. This commission could offer vital guidance on how to identify and address dangers before they reach a breaking point.

If we continue facing these tragedies without meaningful prevention steps, we will have missed the chance to create lasting change. The time for reflection, understanding, and action is now.

Chuck Weinstein in Arlington Massachusetts.