Don’t name shooters

How many times does a mass shooting have to happen before something is done to prevent another? Everyone asks this question, but I am seriously concerned with the very active role media plays in these. Almost every time, the shooter has some blog or “manifesto” left behind saying how he hates someone or doesn’t have a girlfriend. Well, cry me a river.

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin showed an enormous amount of wisdom when he refused to release the name of the shooter at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. Unfortunately, someone else (anonymously) named him right away. Then there’s the predictable release of his blog or his diary that he was going out in a blaze of glory. But there would be no “glory” if he wasn’t freely given it by media attention.

The next time this happens, and it will, let’s not reveal the name of the shooter. Let’s stop handing him the glory he seeks so badly. The shooters are immature and/or mentally ill. If anything, discredit him as being a coward (without a name). Law enforcement will figure that out, but don’t give him any publicity. Please.

Wendy Boggs

Spokane