The Brave News

by Jake Bailey

On April 30th, 2019, the community of Charlotte suffered a tragedy that resulted in the death of two University of North Carolina Charlotte students and left many more injured.

“The shooting took place on the last day of classes for UNC-Charlotte, just as the campus was getting ready for a Waka Flocka Flame concert,” said The Charlotte Observer.

Suspect Trystan Andrew Terrell allegedly chose to enter the Kennedy Building at UNCC, and open fire on his fellow peers inside.

“Trystan Andrew Terrell is accused of gunning down two students and injuring four others in a classroom on Tuesday, according to police,” says ABC News.

Fortunately, all who were injured are expected to make a successful and full recovery, but the death of two innocent students is still too much.

As for the motive of the shooting, that much is unclear at this time, according to police and school officials. Terrell, however, is facing more charges and jail time.

“In addition to the two murder charges for the deaths of 21-year-old Riley Howell and 19-year-old Ellis Parlier, Terrell has been charged with four counts of attempted murder, four counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, discharging a firearm on educational property and possessing a gun on educational property, according to jail records,” a police report told The Charlotte Observer.

As for the two students who were killed in the gunfire, one of them courageously risked his life to save many of his peers, and ultimately was killed after stepping in front of bullets intended for others.

“He kept charging. A bullet to the torso did not stop Riley Howell. A second bullet to the body did not prevent him from reaching his goal and hurling himself at the gunman who opened fire last week inside a classroom at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The third bullet came as Mr. Howell was inches from the gunman, who fired at point-blank range into his head,” stated The New York Times.

The chief of police stated that once the shooter was subdued under Riley Howell’s body, no one else was then shot after.

Students and faculty joined together shortly after the tragedy for a vigil in honor of 19-year old Ellis Parlier and 21-year old hero and savior, Riley Howell.

“Since 2014, there have been at least seven other shootings on or near North Carolina colleges and universities,” stated Greenville News.

USA Today offers a few tips to help students on a campus be prepared for a possible school shooting situation. Tips including: keep a cell phone and charger on hand at all times if possible, and sign up for your school’s alert system.

In addition, students should share their location with family and close friends at all times. Finally, students should check to see if there is a Text-to-911 service in their area for as much safety as possible.

It’s sad that times have reached this level of evil and terror in America. But school shootings are now something everyone must be prepared and ready for.