It was a frightening, horrible episode in Deming, New Mexico Friday.

Saturday, November 20, 1999

It was a frightening, horrible episode in Deming, New Mexico Friday. A seventh-grade boy shot a 13-year-old female in the back of the head in the lobby of the school. He then pointed the gun at the principal. Police arrived after a 911 call was made and eventually convinced the boy, who is being charged with attempted murder, to set his weapon down and took him into custody. His victim later died.

If there is anything positive to be seen in the event, it is in the school’s immediate response to the unfolding situation.

According to stories by the Associated Press, school officials announced a "Code Red" over the intercom. Classroom doors were locked and teachers did their best to keep the students calm with movies and other distraction techniques. Only after police came around and announced that everything was safe were children allowed to go home with their parents. The quick reactions of the school staff and faculty undoubtedly prevented chaos which could have resulted in more shootings.

In these days after the Columbine tragedy, it is good to see schools being prepared for the unthinkable, because it is all-too-thinkable. Many schools have plans for such events – all schools should.