Sandy Hook Promise Prevents 19th School Attack in California
Mark Barden, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise and father of a child lost in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, has applauded the prevention of another school attack. This marks the 19th successful intervention by his organization, which was established in 2013 to combat violence in schools, homes, and communities.
The incident occurred in a California school district, where a student used the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System to express concerns about a peer's social media posts. The Sequoia Union High School District praised the anonymous tip, which led to a swift lockdown and the detention of the student in question. Weapons were subsequently removed from the student's home. This successful intervention comes amidst a rise in school shooting incidents, with 56 reported across the United States in 2024 alone. In response, school districts are investing in security and prevention measures. Barden, an advocate for policies like the PLAN for School Safety Act and the STOP School Violence Act, continues to push for policies that support prevention efforts.
The recent incident in California underscores the importance of Sandy Hook Promise's work. Their programs, including the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, have now prevented 19 school attacks. As school violence remains a pressing issue, Barden and his organization remain committed to creating safer environments for students, homes, and communities.
